Revision as of 08:00, 26 June 2008

Ë 1915 Ë<o:p></o:p>

transcribed
and annotated by James Bruce<o:p></o:p>

correspondence
to Alan Cairnie [cairnie@cogeco.ca]<o:p></o:p>

BIOGRAPHY<o:p></o:p>

John Bruce Cairnie was born on 22nd. September 1889 in Thurso, <st1:place>Caithness</st1:place>, the third
son of David Dandie Cairnie, a chemist in the town, and Mary Wilson Bruce. He
attended the Miller Institute in Thurso and <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Edinburgh</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>University</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, where he graduated M.A.
in 1911 and B.Sc. in 1912. His interests were in Botany and Geology. He then
attended teachers’ college.

His diary for 1916 will follow in due course.In October 1917 he sailed to join the 3/4th King’s
African Rifles with the rank of lieutenant. He kept a diary from that time
until January 1919 when he sailed for home. This diary will also be transcribed
soon.<o:p></o:p>

In September 1919 he started his teaching career in Golspie and in October
1921 moved south to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Ayr</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Academy</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.
He later moved to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Cumnock</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Academy</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> where he
completed his career, retiring in 1953. During his time in Ayrshire he maintained
his interest in Thurso by keeping in touch with family and friends and visiting
in the summer. He kept in contact with his comrades in the 5th
Seaforths by attending the reunions. He died in 1977, and his pawky sense of
humour, and warmth of nature are missed by family and all who knew him..

In 1930 he had married Isabella Moodie
and they had a son Alan Bruce Cairnie who moved to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>
in 1967. Two of John Bruce’s great-grandsons wrote in 2003, as part of a
Royal Canadian Legion competition, the following compositions:

"What
Remembrance Day Means to Me"<o:p></o:p>

by Angus Cairnie, aged 12.

The order comes
from the generals;<o:p></o:p>

The tanks halt, the
only sound is from the gulls. <o:p></o:p>

The shells stop,
the guns are stilled,<o:p></o:p>

The bombs stop blasting,
people remember those killed.<o:p></o:p>

Memories come,
unstoppable as a flood,<o:p></o:p>

Weep, weep and free
the earth of blood,<o:p></o:p>

Tears flow, wash
away the sadness.<o:p></o:p>

Thousands died to
clean the world of badness.<o:p></o:p>

War is the knife,
blood is the lives and peace the tourniquet,<o:p></o:p>

Remember, never
forget and feel the pain as battle lines met.<o:p></o:p>

Love peace and
never let this happen again,<o:p></o:p>

Restrain your anger
and don’t unleash again this pain.<o:p></o:p>

Stop the artillery,
silence the guns.<o:p></o:p>

No need anymore to
slay the Huns.<o:p></o:p>

Call back the tanks,
land the planes,<o:p></o:p>

Time to stop the
advance across the plains.<o:p></o:p>

We’ve stopped
the holocaust,<o:p></o:p>

The massive total
human cost.<o:p></o:p>

The time to mourn
now is best,<o:p></o:p>

More death than we
could have guessed.<o:p></o:p>

So today is the day
that we remember.<o:p></o:p>

Because war can be
a glowing ember,<o:p></o:p>

At the thought of
war we stand aghast,<o:p></o:p>

And Remembrance Day
will always last. <o:p></o:p>

********************************
<o:p></o:p>

"Remembrance
Day Essay"<o:p></o:p>

by Malcolm
Cairnie, aged 11

A class is sitting in an
assembly for Remembrance Day. One kid whispers to another, " What’s
this Remembrance Day thing about, anyway?" The other kid replies, " I
think it’s something for dead soldiers or something."

True. But that isn’t
the half of it. Remembrance Day is a time to remember the brave men in World
War I and World War II who died fighting against evil and tyranny. Veterans
come, too, to pay their respects to their lost comrades. In World War I, we
fought against <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
In World War II, we fought the Axis- a group of countries that included <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region><st1:place>Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region><st1:place>Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
and <st1:country-region><st1:place>Austria</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
All of these were formidable enemies, but each time we triumphed. This does not
take away the terrible reality of millions of deaths on both sides, and war is
equally horrible no matter who wins. Some questions the little kid in the first
paragraph might ask are:

Why do we wear a poppy?

We wear a poppy to honor dead soldiers. Poppies grew on many men’s
graves so it was adopted as a Remembrance Day symbol.

Why do we have a moment of silence?

On November 11th the peace treaty for World War I was signed. The
minute the order ‘Cease fire’ was given, a silence fell over all.
Today we use these two minutes to think about peace.

Why did these men go to war?

There were various reasons. Some went for the salary. Others went for the
adventure and excitement. Then some went to be with family and friends. Many
went to fight for their country and freedom. Whatever the reason, we can be
sure there are more dead soldiers than veterans.

War is a gruesome prospect,
and we must always try to find a better way. Most minor conflicts can be
settled by negotiations, but sometimes war is necessary. Whatever any soldier
does, he or she must only fight for freedom and justice.

So before you go rampaging off to battle, think. Is there anything else we
can do to help? Do we have to kill? There is almost always a solution other
than violence, and it is up to us to find it.

IN
THE RANKS<o:p></o:p>

The origins of the 5th Seaforths lay in the Sutherland
Highland Rifle Volunteers, raised in Sutherland and <st1:place>Caithness</st1:place>
in 1859/60 as part of a country wide enthusiasm for part-time soldiering
inspired by fears of French invasion. In 1908 the old volunteer force became
the Territorial Force and the SHRV became the 5th (Sutherland and
Caithness Highland) Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders, TF.<o:p></o:p>

They were mobilised on 4 Aug 14 and together with the 4th (<st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Ross</st1:PlaceName><st1:PlaceName>Highland</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>) and 6th
(Moray) Battalions, Seaforth Highlanders and the 4th<st1:place>Queens</st1:place>
Own Cameron Highlanders, from Inverness-shire, they formed the Seaforth and Cameron
Brigade of the <st1:place>Highland</st1:place> Division.<o:p></o:p>

After a couple of weeks spent improving coastal defences at Cromarty
(which protected the naval base at Invergordon) the brigade moved with the rest
of the division to <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>,
where they were billeted in private houses.<o:p></o:p>

The commitment made by TF soldiers pre-war was to serve for home defence
only. On the outbreak of war most men made the additional commitment to serve
overseas although some, for various reasons (age, business or family
commitments, etc.), chose not to.<o:p></o:p>

In Sep 15 a second battalion of the 5th Seaforths was formed,
as it was in all TF regiments. The 'first line' battalion - 1/5 Seaforth - at
Bedford contained men willing to serve overseas; the 'second line' or reserve
battalion - 2/5 Seaforth - at Golspie consisted of men who had not signed the
overseas commitment, were not fit for overseas service and recruits surplus to
the requirements of the first line battalion.<o:p></o:p>

It had always been expected that the TF would require 6 months training
before being fit for overseas operations. In fact, 1/4 Seaforth went overseas
in Nov 14 and 1/4 Camerons in Feb 15, being replaced in the brigade by 1/6 and
1/8 Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.<o:p></o:p>

TF infantry battalions were, at the outbreak of war, still organised in
eight companies - an organisation little changed from Napoleonic times. Regular
battalions had adopted a four company organisation in 1913.<o:p></o:p>

Judging by his regimental number (3471) John Bruce Cairnie enlisted in
Sep 14. The popular image of men flocking to the colours on 4 Aug 14 isn't
really accurate - the peak of recruiting was actually a few weeks after the
outbreak of war. At the start of the diary he was serving in E Company (the
pre-war Thurso company) as a Lance Sergeant - this was appointment not a rank. His
actual rank was Corporal; a Lance appointment was usually a prelude to further
promotion.<o:p></o:p>

JANUARY
1915<o:p></o:p>

19 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

Company
drill from <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="9">9:30</st1:time> to <st1:time
Minute="0" Hour="13">1 p.m.</st1:time> It would get rather feding up if we had
much of it. An hour of 'cross-tig' relieved the monotony. In the afternoon,
bayonet fighting for NCOs, and then a lecture by Sergt-Major. Very busy all
evening and got up to orderly room by <st1:time Hour="11" Minute="30">11:30</st1:time>.

20 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

Wakened
by reveille. Mac lazy as he hadn't been in bed till 2:30 a.m. Route march to
Turvey, somehow I felt less fit than usual. The company marched well going out,
but coming in when No. 1 section were leading there was no step in it. 20 men
on the sick-list this morning, mostly with chest-colds. No cases of measles in
our Company today, but one death in 'G'.

The
Colonel and Maj Sinclair left for a fortnight at home tonight. Still there is
no word of leave for us.

21 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

Slept
in this morning and had a bit of a rush. Black was orderly officer and I think
did ditto as I saw him passing down at 8:30 in very squalid and untidy
condition. Company drill under Joe Robertson with Ritson in the background and
a military funeral in the neat ['over the wall' inserted above last phrase].
Quite cheerful sounds on the pipes.

It rained all afternoon so
the NCOs got a lecture from Ritson and Black consisting of reading aloud
extracts from 'Notes from the Front'. Ritson seems to have a good grasp of
theory at any rate but too excitable.

Margaret
and her mother at tea.

Mac
got his Corporal strips tonight, dating back to 12th December so he draws a big
pay. He's chucking things about in the kitchen now. I am writing this in the
lavvy as Jimmie was in our house in one of his frequent states of fed-up-ness.

One
death in 'A' today, and I believe 2 in 'H' yesterday.

22 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

There
was nearly a mutiny this morning when the men were told to parade with their
equipment which still wringing wet on. The Adjie wouldn't give in but when half
the battalion paraded without it he had to send them back for an hour to get
great coats. Route-march round by Rinhold and Cleat Hill raining most of the
way. I enjoyed it very much.

Afternoon
pay and rations. Lecture from Sergt-Major. He thought this about wet equipment
- 'a damn good joke'. He insisted on punctuality on parade, which is certainly
necessary. Our men aren't smart enough yet at turning out.

Mac
sleeping up in Orderly Room tonight as he got a little slap last night because
Gwyneth had a bad throat - mostly sham I'm thinking. She was alright today and
Pitman was in her room till after <st1:time Hour="22" Minute="30">10:30 p.m.</st1:time>

<o:p></o:p>

24 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

Went
to <st1:City><st1:place>St Paul</st1:place></st1:City>'s Church and <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>English</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> boys. Delighted to get my
spell of Orderly Sergeant over and so was Mac. Along at tea with Rev Herbert
Reid and met Davidson McKenzie and Miss Strang. The former isn't such a great
bug as I used to think him, nor as he thinks himself. No side about the Rev
Hubert.

25 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

Tonight
I was on Town-picket - the <st1:Street><st1:address>High St</st1:address></st1:Street>,
with 4 men of 'B' and had a very good time.

26 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

Platoon
drill and bayonet fighting this morning with pack and ammunition. Two of 'C'
Company with about 20 others left this afternoon with ammunition and blankets
for unknown destination. Everybody much excited and much speculation as to
where they are going to and what it may mean for the battalion. Rumours of <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Edinburgh</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Castle</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> or <st1:place>Inverness</st1:place>.

After
afternoon parade I found myself and 2 of 'C' detailed to go on similar duty.
Russell was picked and Jim Matheson. We paraded in 15 minutes, expecting great
things and feeling very big. It turned out to be picket duty at Herring Green
crossroads with orders to stop all cars and take number, etc. This result of
last Zeppelin raid as the airships are thought to have been guided by cars with
powerful headlights.

We
barricaded the road with carts and took turns - 2hours on and 4 hours off. Not
very exciting and very cold, but more exciting than platoon drill. My first
experience at sleeping out and none too pleasant, but I think it wouldn't kill
me.

27 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

The
Kaiser's Birthday - bless 'im!

Got
into <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City> at <st1:time Minute="0"
Hour="9">9 a.m.</st1:time> after rather a smart walk. Slept from 10 to 12 and
paraded again at 3 for the same duty as yesterday. Mac rather annoyed as I
didn't tell him where we were, but he had a pretty good ideal all the same. Our
officers say they heard an airship of some sort over <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>
last night but nobody seems to have seen it.

We
got out to Cardington at <st1:time Hour="16" Minute="0">4 p.m.</st1:time> and
took up our quarters this time at the Pub - The Anchor Inn. It is a very cold
night and like snow, but Pitman got tea for us here and if it wasn't for the
skittles we might have a very good time. Tonight we got order to turn back
every motor car or m. bike, so things are soon interesting.

28 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

We
took up our positions again at <st1:time Hour="16" Minute="30">4:30</st1:time>.
I had from 6 to 8 and 12 to 2. A fine night, coldish but dry. The time passed
very quickly, sitting very comfortably in a cart of straw. Jim getting on my
nerves with his songs or rather his song. He has improved though with the
change of work and under strenuous conditions might be a keen man. Pitman had
to sleep by the roadside as he was the only one who knew the password.

No cars were to be turned
back, except officers who hadn't the password. Very little doing - they seem to
be avoiding the place.

29 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

Got
in to <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City> at <st1:time Hour="8"
Minute="30">8:30</st1:time> and as we got word that our special duty is now at
an end we had a free day. I was down town in the morning and again on special
pass at night. Went to 'Grumpy' which was very good. The best thing I have seen
here so far.

30 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

I
was helping <st1:place>W. Ritson</st1:place> today with the billets as his
clerk is on leave. I shouldn't care for his job, or his clerk's either. R. can
be very disagreeable when he wants. In the afternoon I played soccer for 'E' v
'G'. We beat them 8-1. It wasn't a great match but I was delighted to be
playing football once again. I think I must be as fit now as ever I was.

Today
the new double company system was inaugurated and henceforth we form, along
with 'F', the new 'C'. We are all sorry to bid goodbye to the old state of
affairs, which seemed to work very well, and in which we were all very happy.
We aren't keen on 'F' as they are a pretty rough and coarse crowd, but no doubt
will improve on acquaintance.

31 Jan 15<o:p></o:p>

I
had made up my mind to get a lot of letters written today, but only managed
three. Church Parade in the morning and we got a good sermon from the Cameron
chaplain. He always makes an impression and rivets the attention of the men:
reminds me in voice and manner of Daniel S Calderwood. In the evening I went to
Corn Exchange Concert but was asleep most of the time.

FEBRUARY
1915<o:p></o:p>

01 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Paraded
under company arrangements - company drill and physical exercises in the
forenoon and musketry in afternoon. I find I have forgotten most of the
musketry and expect that most of the NCOs are in the same box. I put Davidson
onto my squad - he was a musketry instructor.

Ian and I went and had out
photographs taken again and I hope they will be more successful than the last.
We went to 'Brewster's Millions' with Mrs. Platts. Mac is living up to, if not
beyond his pay - a very bad habit. His late hours must tell him sooner or later
and if he doesn't chuck them soon I will speak to Mrs. Platts.

02 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Parade
at <st1:time Minute="45" Hour="19">7:45</st1:time>. Marched round by Wilden
Shrubbery and Sevick End with ammunition 120 rounds. Pace very hot and
atmosphere muggy in the extreme. The whole division was on the road and marched
past Sir Ian Hamilton at Goldington Green. We marched past very well and I hope
made a good impression. Kept a perfect step from Goldington to <st1:Street><st1:address>Clarendon
St</st1:address></st1:Street>.

Soccer match between 'C'
and 'D' ended 3 all although we had the best of the game. Got a little writing
done tonight but still have heaps to do.

03 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Parade
at <st1:time Minute="45" Hour="8">8:45</st1:time>, for a concentration route
march to Sevick Farm. Our company went by Goldington and Water-end. The
marching was very good. After we got to Sevick each company went on its own for
some extended order work. No. 1 platoon was in reserve, under George Forbes and
got wiped out by being too far up and coming under fire in artillery formation.
I don't think that my section, of 8 men, would have suffered so severely.

In the evening we were at
Dr. Bell's for dinner and progressive whist. A lovely house and very hospitable
people; especially as they had never seen a lot of us before. There were 20 of
us, mostly Englishmen. Bailey and Mac sang. One of the 4th home from the front
was there. He's not keen on going back.

04 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Today
I was helping Ritson to pay the billets. This is rather monotonous work, only
Ritson's arithmetic is occasionally diverting. What neat, clean house most of
the people keep - 'We're poor but we like to be tidy and comfortable". R.
was in better tune today. Mac, Addie and Jim digging drains all day at <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Harrowden</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Range</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, came back dead tired.

Jim is trying for a
commission in one of the Reserve Battalions or more preferably the 5th.

I hear Willie Torrance is
not expected to get better - pneumonia. Am very sorry for his mother.

Got a 'permanent' pass till
Tuesday from Ritson and went down town. Had an unsatisfactory evening and will
not waste another in the same way. Mac is for his first quarter guard tomorrow
and I have been coaching him. Had a very cheery letter today from Louise.

05 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

With
Ritson again paying the billets. He bangs into the houses in the most
unceremonious fashion, but all over today he wasn't unsympathetic. It's when he
is crossed in the least little detail that he loses his rag: and he can't abide
to be chaffed.

Jim Miller who was more
than half tight and was in seeing Nanna, has somewhat raised my hopes of a
commission, but I don't know I want one. I wonder whether Ritson has not an
inkling of it and is not trying to get the billeting job shifted onto my
shoulders. I wouldn't have it at any price. I hear there are 8 vacancies - Jim
says the Colonel has been speaking to him on the QT.

06 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

More
billet-paying today. I thought that I was going to have the afternoon off but
Ritson was anxious to get on with the work, so we on till <st1:time Hour="16"
Minute="0">4 p.m.</st1:time>

Then I went down town, had
tea and went to the Chums and to the Palace, enjoyed myself in a quiet way. The
Chums are getting on my nerves: they aren't a bit clever - except for Harold
Johnson himself. I can't make out whether he is acting a part of not.

07 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Church
parade at <st1:time Hour="19" Minute="35">7:35</st1:time> and didn't move off
till <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="20">8:20</st1:time> - absurd. Sermon quite good
from the thin man.

Helped Ritson an hour or
two with his books and wasted the afternoon reading a novel.

Wrote
home after tea, but didn't give them any idea that leave is starting as we may
be disappointed. Escorted Margaret home on my way to the Corn Exchange Concert.
I rather like her, but don't know her well enough.

Mac and Gwyneth are
downstairs now singing - howling rag tunes and making hideous the Sabbath
evening.

08 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Billeting
again and got a good deal done in the afternoon. At three Ritson had an
appointment and that spoiled us.

Went down town and examined
Hockliffe's secondhand bookshop: picked up one or two geological book of an
ancient order. Also A.W. Russell's "World of Life". Had tea and went
to the Whip. The staging rather ambitious but not bad considering the amount of
space at their disposal. Mac is going North on Wednesday and is in
correspondingly good form. Met Scott tonight in <st1:Street><st1:address>High
St.</st1:address></st1:Street> - of Edin. <st1:place>Battery</st1:place>.
He's a L/Cpl in the 4th Gordons.

09 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Blank

10 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Mac
left today for seven days leave. Harcus went too. They were very cheery. Ritson
and I went down to the station and afterwards to the Empire he standing me in.
Not bad but rather vulgar.

Weighed myself at the
station: found I have put on nearly a stone since coming down but that is with
the kilt instead of trousers. Am now 10st 3 lbs in uniform.

11 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Billets
all day: am beginning to like the work, and also to be very lazy in the
mornings.

Along to Mrs. Campion's at
night and played bridge with the girls. They are quite good and I like them. I
can't stand complicated girls.

12 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Paid
the last of the billets today and another rummage with Ritson in Hockliffe's
old books, but didn't get anything. Worked in R's billet in the afternoon,
arranging the forms. Had a yarn with Mrs. Mortimer.

Nothing doing at night it
has been very cold all day, and I haven't got decently warmed up once.

13 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

A
wet rotten day with sleet. Slimed [?] in the Orderly Room most of the morning.
In the afternoon played Ellis at Chess and he wiped me: we are about evenly
matched - he's probably a little better than me.

After tea, went to The
Chums with Ritson - he paying. Programme not bad.

The Colonel interviewed a
lot of fellows today, with a view to commissions - in this battalion. He didn't
take me, which is either a very hopeful sign - or a hopeless one. I think
Ritson is trying to wangle me in for his present job, but he won't manage it.

14 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Muggy
and wet. Church parade at <st1:time Minute="45" Hour="8">8:45</st1:time>. Got a
very good sermon from the Cameron chaplain. Got a word from Willie for wearing
my khaki hosetops on dress parade. Felt ratty at him.

Wrote home; and spent
afternoon in Ritson's doing company drill with matches. He has the double
company this week as Joe R is on furlough; and he's nervous about it. Went down
to Church in the evening but so late. Went to Corn Exchange Concert - quite
good. A fine soprano, and Blake of the Camerons.

15 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Cold
and bright. Battalion moved off at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time>
and marched out about five miles towards Turvey. From there advanced
cross-country in artillery formation for a mile and a half or so. Poll and I
had a platoon to ourselves. We finished up with an advance in open order, of a
very ragged sort. We badly need training in extended order. Ritson in his
element, his language too grandiloquent. Some of the fields very soft and
claggy. Marched about six miles home and arrived at <st1:time Hour="16"
Minute="30">4:30</st1:time>.

In orders tonight, extract
from King's Regulations which seems to say we must not shave upper lip -
whiskers moderate if any.

Jim had a row with Gwyneth
and then with Nanna. How absurd we can all be.

16 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Another
magnificent day - the sun is getting quite warm. 'C' marched out to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Bromham</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Bridge</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and then took up an outpost
position to cover it. Had charge of a picket and got on quite well. Willie and
Black were the only officers out. We lay down for a couple of hours and then
marched round by Stevington and the Stagsden road. The pace was a little hot
and even Willie was a little pegged. He doesn't seem to remember we carry more
than he does. No one fell out but Addie had blistered feet and no doubt there
are others. Got in at <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="15">3:30</st1:time>. Most
enjoyable and healthy day.

Down town in the evening
for a few necessaries and spent the rest of the time getting my kit packed. I
don't feel the least bit excited about going home. Jim cooked some haggis and
it's lying heavy on my stomach now.

17 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

It
turned out wet today - so wet that the battalion didn't go out. I was glad as I
had all my things clean and ready for the journey. We left about <st1:time
Hour="8" Minute="0">8 o'clock</st1:time> at night, marching down to the station
in great form and best of spirits.

18 - 24 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Blank

25 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Got
into <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City> about <st1:time
Minute="0" Hour="9">9 a.m.</st1:time> Coming up <st1:Street><st1:address>Clarendon
St</st1:address></st1:Street> we found the remnants of the Company (8)
already paraded and George in the middle of them waving wildly. I had expected him
to be much older looking: instead of that he is just the same as when he went
out. I thought that we would be getting off parade but the Adjie sent for us
and we had to follow up the Company. Drill in close order all morning.

Afternoon off.

At <st1:time Minute="30"
Hour="16">4:30</st1:time> parade for outpost duty. We marched out to Stagsden;
a lovely night , bright moonlight and George and I had plenty to speak about
all the way. We were put out under Harcus, as a screen to the position, and
then withdrawn as the supports. The Colonel came along and said support should
entrench - which I doubt. Pretty cold waiting about, but a stiff march in
warmed us up plenty: me nearly asleep on the march, and glad to get to bed.

26 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Marched
out past the Swan Inn, and fought out to Stagsden. A perfect day. George is
very keen. Most of the way was through woods with thorny undergrowth. Our
section finished up with what appeared to me a very knutty piece of strategy,
but the Adjie galloped up and put half of us out of action.

Drew 42/7 today for the
last 2 weeks. Am feeling rather depressed today - no doubt a reaction after
furlough and even George's presence can't shake it off altogether. Regular fed
up with the family.

27 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Laurie
and I got a swearing from the Adjie today because he saw some of the men
scratching their faces when they were at attention. He's getting very snotty
about details, so I suppose we'll have to stiffen up too.

Company out in the field
above the Cemetery, practicing bayonet charging against sacks of straw. The
sacks were set up as an extended line: good fun but not far good as instruction
went: not enough ground. George was at musketry instruction in Mod. School
Park, and was pretty fed up with standing about.

In the afternoon we went to
Rugby Match, and at night George and Ian and I were down town on pass. We had
tea in Dudeney & Johnson's; went to the Chums and enjoyed ourselves very
much. The 'ass' is very like George. Went to the second house of the Empire.

28 Feb 15<o:p></o:p>

Dreamt
last night the Adjie told me he wouldn't recommend me for a commission. I gave
him a bit of my mind.

Church parade today at <st1:time
Minute="45" Hour="8">8:45</st1:time>, to the Baptist Chapel. Quite a good
sermon on sacrifice: church done up inside like an ice-cream shop.

After dinner Geo, Ian,
Addie and I walked out to the Swan, ordered tea and went on round by Stagsden.
A perfect day, as clear as any we have had here for a long time.

Coming back from Stagsden we were hailed by the tract-delivering parson, so
we took to our heels. He wanted us up to tea - judging from his gesticulations,
so went back and explained and received a few tracts. George wild we couldn't
accept his invitation, as the daughter seemed 'a peach'.

Tea at the Swan: the
landlord rather unpleasant about tossing. Walked home: Geo. sent Addie
sprawling.

MARCH
1915<o:p></o:p>

01 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Started running drill at <st1:time
Minute="15" Hour="19">7:15</st1:time> this morning, the Sergeant-Major leading.
Going on parade at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="45">8:45</st1:time>, Capt Ritson
bagged me for billeting staff. I wasn't sorry to go as it made my position
secure for tonight. I let him know I wouldn't have his job if I get a
commission, and he said M'Intosh in the orderly room would likely be put onto
it. So that's all right, and I have my pass. Didn't get a lot of billets done
as there were a lot of mistakes owing to furlough, etc.

Went down town at <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="30">6:30</st1:time> as arranged
and saw The Girl from <st1:State><st1:place>Utah</st1:place></st1:State>. It
was about the best thing I have seen here - certainly the best musical comedy.
The actresses were pretty, and almost proper. I like Kitty very much: nice and
quiet.

02 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Running drill at 7:15.
Paying billets with Ritson and Sandy Ross. The latter's services were
requisitioned in order that the Captain might be saved the labour of writing
out the amended forms.

03 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

This was to be a divisional
day but turned out wet so we turned in. Had a reading in the office, and a
short route march in the afternoon round by Oakley and Bromhaw.

At night we were hauled out
to a concert nobody wanted to go to. It turned out to be a dancing display by
some school kids very good in its way but not the sort of meat and drink the Army
wants. One little girl of 9 was a splendid turn - comic songs, etc. and should
make her name.

04 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Running drill at <st1:time
Hour="19" Minute="15">7:15</st1:time> paraded in full marching order at <st1:time
Hour="8" Minute="15">8:15</st1:time>. We marched out to Stagsden and from there
advanced cross country towards Stevington, in extended order the whole way. The
6th Seaforth were on our immediate right and we got rather boxed up against the
road which was the left flank boundary. Marched in from Stevington, 'C' company
next the band. Willie was paying great attention to covering today.

Went down town tonight to
the Picture-drome. Came back early. Gwyneth has had toothache for the last two
or three days and Mac and George have had to take turns at holding her hand.

05 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Running drill at 7:15.
Battalion parade at <st1:time Minute="15" Hour="9">9:15</st1:time> for
trenching. We had only to go up above the Cemetery and had a pretty slack day.
Our squad practised entrenching with the small tools - the first time we have
used them. The Brigadier was knocking about. We had 35 minutes to cook and eat
our dinner and were back to work again till after four.

After tea I wrote home.
George and Ian are both 'out' as regards the house and doubt if they will ever
smell it again.

06 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

We had a so-called medical
inspection at nine. It consisted of our new M.O. walking briskly along the
ranks and studying the men's' boots. At 10 we marched up to Clapham park to get
into the trenches again. We had two shifts and Willie was for making us do
handling of arms when we came out of the trench. However we marched them to the
hedge and sat down. He is probably the most unpopular officer in the battalion
now: he used to be the most popular. 'F' Company vow to school him when we get
into action.

Jim Miller, Blake and I had
to parade to the Brigade Office at <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time>
and interviewed the Brigadier. The Brigadier was quite affable and signed our
papers.

<st1:City><st1:place>Cambridge</st1:place></st1:City>
played the Highland Division at Rugger this afternoon and got beaten. <st1:City><st1:place>Cambridge</st1:place></st1:City>
had a very poor team they didn't seem to have played much together, and looked
rather a rag-a-muffin bunch.

George and Ian on pass
tonight.

07 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Church parade at <st1:time
Minute="20" Hour="8">8:20</st1:time>. Good sermon from the new chaplain. The
Camerons have already had some casualties. Took Orderly Sergt's work over for
the day as Laurie was B.O.S. so that I didn't get out of the billeting area.
Wrote Rob Alexander.

Black and Howie were in to
supper.

08 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Running drill at 7:15. Very
cold, and snowing slightly. George not on duty yet as he was inoculated on
Saturday. Company drill was cancelled and battalion went out for a route march
- Milton Ernest, Filimousham, Pavenham, Stevington and Oakley. A splendid day
for marching - cold and bracing and blinks of warm sun between the showers of
small snow. The buds are on the hedges. The Company marched well today, and
with a little care on the part of some NCOs - especially Laurie and M'Adie we
would have a good marching coy.

Dinner at <st1:time
Hour="15" Minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time>: afternoon tea in the park and then
again in 21. 'M' arrived this morning to Ian's discomfiture who was in
Gwyneth’s bedroom at the time. He has come from <st1:country-region><st1:place>China</st1:place></st1:country-region>
to join. It will be interesting to watch developments.

09 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Marched out to near
Stagsden and did the same scheme as on Thursday's last. This time we were the
supports and had a most pleasant cross-country ramble - more like a botanical
excursion than a sham fight.

10 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Had the parade S_a_ [?]
etc. in good time, having been up at 6. Marched out towards Colmworth and
division attacked Gordons in direction of in the direction of Milton Ernest.
When we just beginning - I was with the supports, the Adjie came and ordered me
to take the pack-ponies to the ammunition column.

I managed to catch them up
after about an hours march. Then we stood for several hours on the road, very
cold. Moved forward and came abreast two batteries in action. No sign of our
battalion and I believe the commander of the column had quite lost touch with
most of the infantry including ours The 6th lost touch with the 5th and seem to
have lost themselves into the bargain.

Had a good march home, fine
exhilarating weather. Got in after 4, one of the longest days we've had.

11 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

With J. Ritson today,
working all morning in the Orderly Room. Wonder if I'll take as badly to
laboratory work as I do to office work. In the afternoon we paid some outlying
billets, in a very lackadaisical state. JJR infects me that way.

Had tea in the pavilion
with George and Ian, and Dolly sat and gassed till we were fair fed up. Nanna
is jealous. Went down town to the Picture-drome.

Hear Major M'Millan told
Willie of in the mess last night. Willie gets more unpopular every day.
M'Millan told him to look out when he got to <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>.

12 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Quite a good day, and did
practically no work. I was in the Orderly Room till about 10, then went down
town and spent the rest of the forenoon looking round the 2nd hand bookshop.
Didn't see anything good.

After dinner went with
Ritson and Ian to the Bank and was free at <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="0">3
p.m.</st1:time> Had tea in the pavilion.

After tea at 21 I wrote
home and found my diary a great help. Black was in practising songs tonight and
has settled on 'My Old Shako'. He hasn't got a voice or a temperament for it
and woes me playing for him and Gwyneth, I hear they are going to rag Willie.

13 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

With Ritson in <st1:Street><st1:address>Foster
Hill Rd</st1:address></st1:Street> estimating the damage done by the men in
some of the empty houses. A good deal of damage, much of it apparently wilful,
but I believe nothing to what has been the case in some of the Morayshire
billets. Banisters, wainscoting, etc burnt up and marble mantelpieces in
smithereens, but I didn't see any as bad as that.

Concert at night a great
success. Black didn't turn up for which I was sincerely thankful. Gwyneth
surprised me, singing so well. Cowper of the Groat was down for the occasion
and was quite successful in one or two of his songs, though they were of the
usual antediluvian order. Willie and Ritson both sang, but very nervous. Willie
got a good reception. The Sergt-Major danced the Highland Fling.

14 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Church parade at <st1:time
Minute="45" Hour="8">8:45</st1:time>. A new chaplain this morning and he had a
husky throat. Not nearly so much coughing in Church now. Tea in the pavilion
relieved the monotony of the day.

Went to <st1:City><st1:place>St.
Paul</st1:place></st1:City>'s with George at night and were shown into a
front seat, where our ignorance of the service must have been most apparent.

15 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Went out to Harrowden for
field practices. Fifteen rounds per man at ranges from 600 to 300. Disappearing
targets up for 35 secs and down for the same. Not very realistic but better
than ordinary butt-shooting. Very easy to forget adjustment of sights. Our
detail - with Donnie Dunnet, Poll, Laurie, etc had a long way the best score.

Was down town but nothing
doing.

16 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Divisional practice today -
that of Wednesday 10th revived, with the 6th we held a position E of Milton
Ernest. Whole 5th were out as a screen for the rest of Division.
Willie spoilt it by moving from the right of our company's front to the extreme
left, taking his platoon with him and consequently left a gap through which the
enemy penetrated. Perhaps he wasn't to blame - haven't heard his side of the
matter yet. Anyway we had all to retire in double time and at one point were
almost taken. Not at all a brilliant affair, but very difficult to gauge what
the results would be in the real thing. Got home on <st1:time Minute="0"
Hour="16">four o'clock</st1:time>, pretty hungry.

Went down town at night.
Pitman was in tonight saying we are down to move in six weeks time as a
Division. I say# there have already gone over 2 or 3 Territorial Divisions.
Hope we are sent to the <st1:place>Dardanelles</st1:place>.

17 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Examined some of the empty
houses today with Ritson. A good deal of damage done in some cases, but others
well looked after. Over at the Park for tea. The Battalion went out at 6 for
night marching, but I went down town, having slight neuralgia.

COMMISSIONED<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Commissioning in 1915 was a relatively informal affair. Candidates for
regular commissions continued to attend <st1:place>Sandhurst</st1:place>,
but in the case of the Territorial Force and the units of the 'New Armies'
raised since the outbreak of war, there was no centralised selection or
training of young officers.<o:p></o:p>

JBC would have applied for a commission on the standard army form and
been recommended by <st1:place><st1:City>Lt</st1:City><st1:State>Col</st1:State></st1:place>
Davidson. He would have been required to produce a copy of his birth
certificate, references as to his standard of education and his moral character
(usually a minister or a JP) and would have been interviewed by his brigade
commander. For the TF, the final approval word at this stage would have been
with the <st1:place><st1:PlaceType>County</st1:PlaceType><st1:PlaceName>Territorial</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>
Association in <st1:place>Caithness</st1:place> - the group of
local worthies who oversaw the TF units from their area.<o:p></o:p>

Once everything was approved, the only formal procedure was the
announcement of his commissioning in the <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City>
Gazette. At this point he would have been discharged from the 5th
Seaforth 'in consequence of being appointed to a commission'.<o:p></o:p>

It was then up to his regiment to train him - and in early 1915 there was
very little knowledge in the <st1:place>Highland</st1:place>
Division of the practicalities of soldiering in <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p>

18 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Was just going on parade
this morning when Ian and Jim Miller came to tell me I had been gazetted.
Miller and Blake are too. I wasn't a bit glad in fact it almost brought tears
to my eyes to think that I must give up all my friends. George was very decent
and tried to pretend he was glad but I know he isn't. I had to go and put on
'civies' which I had taken care to keep by me. Queer it feels to be in them
again. Spent most of the day about the streets and transferring my things to
Mrs. Mortimer's where I am to be billeted.

Went to lunch at the Mess
with Ritson, and met most of the officers. It is much more free and easy than I
had expected. Took a box of cigars up to the office and found Jim Miller
carting up 4 bottles of Johnnie Walker. He was well screwed, and would have me
go over to the Mess with him which I did until I found him going in the kitchen
door, then I made my escape. Am sleeping this last night with George.

19 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast at the Mess and
glad to get decent Scotch porridge and cold milk in my mouth again. Got leave
to go to <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City> for seven days, so
am leaving tonight. Spent a wearisome day, unsettled, half in and half out of
21.

Left by the <st1:time
Minute="13" Hour="9">9:13</st1:time> with Mowat of the Machine Gun. He is
engaged to Mary Stewart. Left him at <st1:place>Rugby</st1:place>. The 4th
Seaforth have been badly cut up, and 4th Camerons also#, so the officers' dance
which was to be tonight is cancelled.

20 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Arrived <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City>
7:30. Breakfasted at YMCA. Ordered uniform at <st1:City><st1:place>Moore</st1:place></st1:City>,
Taggert's and then started to hunt for Daisy. Found her (out) after an hour and
a half's searching.

Met John Budge and had lunch
with him at Miss Cranston's. He's a quaint bird but looking more spruce than
I've seen him.

Got Daisy and Tina in at <st1:time
Hour="14" Minute="30">2:30</st1:time> and we went to tea together and then they
saw me off from Queen's St. Arrived Crossgates and found Bessie here: also the
spring-cleaning.

21 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Walked to the Goat Brae
with uncle in the forenoon - a blustering day, and a good deal of slushy snow
on the roads. Uncle is a very good walking companion. Bob came along in the
afternoon and was surprised find Bessie and me here.

22 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Cycled down to Donibristle
Ho. this morning. A lovely soft day, but colder later on. The country side is
pretty just now and wreaths of snow behind the hedges give it extra colour.
Found Donald M'Kay superintending the physical exertions of the men. He had a
half day off, so I stayed till after tea. They are mounting 2 9.2 [inch] guns
on Braefoot Pt. where he will be stationed when they are completed: at present
the guns are 3 days overdue having be[en] shipped from Woolwich. Ship not since
heard of. Probably another case of false economy. D.W.M. seems well content
with his lot, and if he gets obedience from the men I should think it is more
by taking it for granted than by exacting it.

Got up to Xgates at <st1:time
Minute="30" Hour="17">5:30</st1:time>, against a stiff breeze and after reconnoitring
a few imaginary positions. Went along by car to Lochgelly, with the intention
of returning again, but didn't. Had two games of chess with Bob - successfully.

23 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

It has been a muggy day.
Called at Cowdenbeath on my way down and introduced myself to Mr. Bain. Had a
long yarn with him during which he frequently went beyond my depth. Had a
longish walk with Uncle in the afternoon.

24 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Left for <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City>
at <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="12">12:30</st1:time>. Auntie down seeing me off.
She has broadened considerably in her views lately. Met Dorothy Middleton as
arranged and had tea. She continues to increase in beauty and Ian will be
dashed lucky if he lands her - an idea she appears to pooh-pooh. Had a
very nice time with her - went to La Scala and then to The Picture Ho. for
coffee. In the former we ran into Connie Soutar and Tina Cameron, who no doubt
thought us an ill-assorted couple. D. is companion to a lady out at Bothwell,
and has a very leisurely existence. She took herself home about <st1:time
Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time> and I made for the YMCA where I got a room
for 2/6 consisting of 4 walls, a bed and a bible!

25 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Spent the morning looking
for a waterproof, and didn't find one. I am a most undecided person when
hunting for anything like that, and usually start out with no clear idea of
what I want. I ultimately came to the decision, on looking up Land & Water,
to go down and inspect the <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City>
productions and incidentally visit Vane. Went out to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Randolph</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Gardens</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and found Mary Fargie in.
She is small and fat, with a triple chin and a pretty bad <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City>
accent.

Was at Daisy's at <st1:time
Hour="16" Minute="30">4:30</st1:time> and we had tea at Miss Rombach's. I paid
a hurried visit to the tailors and then we proceeded to the King's Theatre
where we got seats in the front row of the <st1:Street><st1:address>Upper
Circle</st1:address></st1:Street>. I enjoyed the play very much, all the more
being in their company, and I couldn't help thinking it might be for the last
time. I should have liked to tell D. what she has meant to me but Tina was
there, which was probably just as well.

26 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Got into Euston at
breakfast time, which meal I got in a little dingy restaurant with marble
topped tables and no table cloths. A lot of others there too, quite decently
dressed, but mostly going in for tea, or hot milk and cake! I couldn't
make it out. Went to look for a waterproof, and spent most of the morning in
that way. Went down <st1:City><st1:place>Whitehall</st1:place></st1:City> and
also called at <st1:Street><st1:address>Jermyn St.</st1:address></st1:Street>
and fixed up with D.S. Kitchen to take over my collection if I don't require
them afterwards. Speaking of Salfeld and Pompekj: he thinks they would both be
officers in the German Army.

Went out to <st1:City><st1:place>Edmonton</st1:place></st1:City>
and caught Vane just going out. We had tea. Both Vane and Con have the pip, and
have no fire or keenness left in them. Probably Vane isn't reading enough, and
yet he has plenty time. The house wasn't in such good order either.

Got a train from St.
Pancras about 8 and got into <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>
about 10. Was up till after 12 trying my uniform on.

27 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Jim Miller was attached to
A, and I to B. "B" was on the miniature range this forenoon and
practising fire control with landscape targets, so I hadn't any occasion to
make a fool of myself although I felt one with my trews as wide as a divided
skirt.

The afternoon I spent
moping about the digs. I was over at 21 for a bit, but George and Ian have gone
to <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City> for the weekend.

28 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Church parade at <st1:time
Minute="20" Hour="9">9:20</st1:time>. I got a loan of Captain Ritson's sporran.
I had a very bad cough, which I expected would bother me in Church, but I
managed to suppress it. Mr. Bain, our Chaplain, can't keep the Germans and
their Kaiser out of his sermons. Mowat, Lybster, was next me and trumpeting
into my ear.

Wrote home in the forenoon
and after dinner at Platts I went with Ritson and Mortimer for 18 holes of
golf. It was an ideal day and we had a most enjoyable round. I won by one hole,
to Ritson's fairly evident disgust, but I think he really was off his game. I
don't know whether I did right or wrong to play but I don't see any harm in it,
under the circumstances, and this is the only day Mr. Mortimer can get. I like
him, he's just like a kid out of school.

29 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Another brilliant day.
Marched out about <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time> to Oakley and
then across country to Tithe Farm and Bury Farm. I had charge of 2 platoons in
the firing line and got on all right except for a slight inclination to get
excited. I must watch that. Ultimately, I was working with one platoon on the
extreme left, as the enemy were trying to work round that flank. This was a
practice day for the stretcher bearers etc., and was the first hard manual work
the pipers have done. The only thing that spoilt the day was waiting on the
roadside for 35 minutes for the band to come along. Got in about <st1:time
Minute="30" Hour="14">2:30</st1:time>.

Invested in a set of chess,
but don't believe I'll have much time for it. I haven't been able to do any
reading for some time.

30 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Divisional practice today
and moved off at <st1:time Minute="35" Hour="8">8:35</st1:time>, so had early
breakfast. Marched out about 8 miles, with many checks and then lay on the side
of the road for about an hour and a half. It was quite hot in the sun today. At
last we advanced, being in reserve to the Argyles. I was with the supports (of
the reserves) so hadn't much to do: but it's a treat to work with "B"
Coy.

The men are keen and
tractable and I shall do everything I can to keep them so. The difficulty is to
draw the happy medium between Harper's laisey-faire [sic] and Willie's nagging
tactics. We marched home as we came out, with many irritating stops and didn't
get in until <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> so we were very
hungry. My face is smarting with the cold and the sun.

<o:p></o:p>

31 Mar 15<o:p></o:p>

Very warm today - the most
summery day we've had yet. Rifle and foot inspection at <st1:time Minute="15"
Hour="9">9:15</st1:time>. Musketry and handling of arms from 11 to 1 and again
from 2 to 4. During the latter period I took the company for a short time and
felt rather nervous. Somehow, they impress me more than 'C' did, partly because
the NCOs are older and more experienced men.

Am getting to know W. A.
M'Donald, as we are the only officers at present with 'B' and I like him, as
every other body does too.

Had hoped to get some
letter writing today - to Daisy as I had some cigarettes from her this morning,
but got none done. Had a game of chess with Ritson, in which he nearly beat me.

APRIL
1915<o:p></o:p>

01 Apr 15<o:p></o:p>

Was on duty in the butts at
Harrowden today along with Corrigal. We left here at <st1:time Hour="8"
Minute="15">8:15</st1:time>. Fine dry morning. There is still about 8" of
water in the butts so we had to put on waders, which were not water tight, so I
was mucking about in wet feet all morning, which didn't do my cold any good.
Got home at <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time> and wrote to
Daisy. Pills with Blake at night, he is too good for me, but I am very bad. Was
over at 21 for a little.

Black had No.10 platoon on
Brigade inlying picket last night and they were nearly all tight. He wasn't
quite sober himself I'm told. That's the way to be carrying on just now. No
wonder we have a bad name.

02 Apr 15<o:p></o:p>

A total holiday today.
Wrote and read in the forenoon. After dinner, Ritson, Mortimer, George and I
went out, per taxi, to Clapham golf course and had 18 holes. George was fair
excited, and driving a very long, if somewhat erratic ball. It was great to see
all his old mannerisms. We all had tea in Mrs. Mortimer's, along with Ian and
Addie and some lady friends of the family. We had quite a jolly night. Mrs.
Mortimer thinks a lot of George.

03 Apr 15<o:p></o:p>

Wet today, so the Company
didn't parade at all. W.A. M'Donald and I inspected some of the billets, but in
a very perfunctory way. I was Supernumerary Orderly Officer, J.B. Morrison
being Orderly Officer. The duties don't seem to be either onerous or difficult;
and as far as I can gather they are mostly skipped. Morrison seems to be rather
a conscientious cove, although it may have been partly for my benefit. I read
most of the afternoon, and had to spend from <st1:time Hour="20" Minute="0">8
p.m.</st1:time> onward in the orderly room.

04 Apr 15<o:p></o:p>

Church parade at <st1:time
Minute="20" Hour="8">8:20</st1:time>. Mr. Bain again: he covered a large field
in his sermon, from Homer upwards. After dinner at 21, to which place I am half
thinking of not going back, we went to Biddenham - Capt. Ritson, Mr. Mortimer,
George and I and had 18 holes. Ritson and I lost by one hole, a very close
match and very enjoyable. George was in good form. A perfect evening.

We all had tea and supper
in 26. George waited till roll-call. I am very sorry for him, he seems so sick
of 21, where the gramophone is never quiet, unless it's to give the piano a
chance.

05 Apr 15<o:p></o:p>

Divisional sports, and
thank goodness a fair and mild, if not a brilliant day. The sports were in the
Grammar School grounds and attracted a huge crowd. The crowd, as far as
fashion, etc. was considered, was very tame. There were 5th competitors in many
of the events and we won the 100 yd (Goddard) and the officers relay race,
besides being second in the tug of war and number of other events. All over we
had second place, 21 points to 43 of the 8th Argyles. The latter carried off
most of the heavy events. The dancing was a treat but the presence of three or
4 professionals knocked all the amateurs out.

After mess sat in the
billet where Mr. and Mrs. Ritson, Mrs. Mortimer and her rather pretty niece
Miss Monk had foregathered.

06 Apr 15<o:p></o:p>

Divisional exercise today and a most disagreeable day at that. We marched
out the Kempston and Ampthill road and effected a junction with another column
which was on the Cotton End road in Wilshamstead Wood, from which we turned
south and attacked the Gordons at <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Haynes</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. The attack went rather
rapidly at the centre where we joined the 6th, and I rather foolishly joined in
a premature assault which they made. As it was we were in a salient and would
have been enfiladed, but thought the movement was general. I must be more
careful in future.

"B" Coy's concert
is on tonight, but I was told off for Brigade Inlying Picquet in Albert
Terrace. After several attempts to quieten them the men have at last subsided
and quietness reigns. I suspect they have been throwing lemonade bottles
through the (closed) windows, but am not certain. I have just had to speak
pretty plainly to some of them.

GOLSPIE<o:p></o:p>

JBC spent the next few weeks at Golspie with the 2/5 Seaforth, during
which time he made only one entry in the diary.<o:p></o:p>

On 11 Apr 15 the <st1:place>Highland</st1:place> Division
was warned to prepare to move to <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
It arrived in <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>
on 1 May 15 and shortly afterwards was retitled 51st (<st1:place>Highland</st1:place>)
Division with the brigade became 152nd Brigade.<o:p></o:p>

Jim Miller was wounded by shellfire on 19 May and evacuated to <st1:country-region><st1:place>UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p>

On 15 Jun 'C' Company, led by Capt Joe Robertson, took part in an attack
on German trenches which failed in the face of machine-gun fire and uncut
barbed wire. 2 officers and 33 other ranks were killed - many others were
wounded. Among the dead were Sgt Ian M'Millan, Pte George Alexander and 2/Lt
Donnie Dunnet. Capt Joe Robertson, Capt Joseph Ritson and Lt W A M'Donald were
among the wounded. <o:p></o:p>

Sergt-Maj Sutherland and three others won the Distinguished Conduct Medal
bringing in the wounded under fire. <o:p></o:p>

JBC's diary for 15 Jun simply says 'Battle of Festubert'

Shortly after Festubert JBC's mother received the following letter:<o:p></o:p>

You all must
have got a great shock when the news of our casualties reached Thurso &
especially when you heard of the loss of the two boys you know so well,
I can well understand your feelings but I know one gets a great comfort in the
knowledge that they have died the most noble and honourable deaths.

Thurso & Wick have
suffered heavily as a result of the charge which shall never be forgot by any
of the survivors.

Your parcel for poor George
came here the other day and was handed to me & I saw by the card that I was
meant to share it, I shared with several of the other boys here & let them
know who it was for & who it was from.

I wrote a short note to
Bruce the other day, poor Bruce will feel it terribly as George was always
speaking about him & the rare times they used to have together especially in
camp at Reay & I always knew by the way he spoke that they were the best of
chums. I remember him say not very long ago that he was glad Bruce was not out
here.

I'm not to say give
any of the details of the attack as I've begun to hate speaking about it, one
does not realise what chums really are till after they are gone beyond one's
reach.

Nothing more at present, hoping
this finds everyone in Thurso in good health.

TO
<st1:country-region><st1:place>FRANCE</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p>

After the shock of <st1:date Month="6" Day="15" Year="1915">15 Jun
1915</st1:date>, 1/5 Seaforth remained in the front line until the 25th
when they moved to rest billets at La Gorgue (about20Km east of <st1:City><st1:place>Lille</st1:place></st1:City>).<o:p></o:p>

The need to replace battle casualties and the increasing numbers of
officers required by battalions on active service meant a draft of officers was
sent out from the 2/5th at Golspie. After a farewell dinner in the
Sutherland Arms Hotel, Brora on the evening of 23 Jun 15 JBC left for <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>
the next day.<o:p></o:p>

Barnetson
and I left Golspie at <st1:time Hour="6" Minute="30">6:30 a.m.</st1:time> Had a
grand send off, all the officers and men of the battalion coming to the station
to see us off. The journey wasn't exciting, as Barnetson isn't any more of a
conversationalist than I, but very pleasant. Saw a number of friends in Edin.
including Bob and Bessie. Left at <st1:time Minute="50" Hour="10">10:50</st1:time>
for <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City>, having picked up
Sutherland.

Breakfasted
at the Strand Palace Hotel and after being photographed, at <st1:City><st1:place>Lafayette</st1:place></st1:City>’s,
went and met Vane at Piccadilly. He is looking much better after his
route-march to <st1:City><st1:place>Cambridge</st1:place></st1:City>. We
shopped, and had lunch at the SPH - eleven of us, including five of us
officers. Left Waterloo <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="55">2:55 p.m.</st1:time>,
and feeling in very good spirits all of us, but I think the women who are left
behind are bravest of all.

Arrived <st1:place>Southampton</st1:place>
about <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> and got our business
done. Leaving tonight late by the Harve packet. A number of civilians crossing
too.

On
deck shortly before <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="8">8 a.m.</st1:time> No land in
sight, but fine breezy sunny morning. Had breakfast and before we were finished
we were inside Harve harbour.

Char-a-banc up to the Base
Office from which we received orders to proceed <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>
same afternoon. Had a very enjoyable journey, not much sign of war here, but on
the quays were piles of barbed wire and large numbers of transport waggons
parked.

Arrived <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>
about <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="30">5:30 p.m.</st1:time> and after some
difficulty found our way to the Hotel Angleterre where we found Nicolson and
Paterson eating strawberries. Later went out to the Base Depot where we are to
billet until further orders - in canvas shacks.

This
being Sunday there way nothing very much doing in the way of drill. We went
down to the town and wandered through the streets, visiting the market which
was pretty well packed with country people. We (Barnetson, Suddy, Hamish and I)
had some grub at a café - strawberries made up in some sickening sort of way.
Saw the Cathedral and most of the older parts of the town, some of it fairly
ancient and replete with carved arches and figures in all sorts of corners and
attitudes. Had a decent dinner at a restaurant: Hamish inclined to get a bit
uproarious. Nearly all the shops were shut. Sat in a café on the river front
for a bit and then took the car out to the camp.

After
breakfast we walked up to the pine wood about a mile along the road for a
lecture by a young Captain who has evidently been out all winter. On the road,
and on the sandy bit of plateau between it and the river infantry and cavalry
were being drilled. The infantry were in some cases drafts newly come out, in
others details, sick, etc. They were fairly getting it rubbed in and smartened
up, but it was only for a few hours in the day.

In the evening we went down
to <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>, Finnie playing football
on the way and generally conducting himself like a young child. Barney and he
and I thought to go down the river on a steamer but missed it and put it off.
We went and had dinner at the Café Normandie. The three of us climbed the chalk
hill on the South? side of the town. It rises almost perpendicularly from the
side of the river, of which and all the surrounding country especially to the
West it commands a magnificent view.

The
same programme today as yesterday but it came on rain so we returned to camp,
when it cleared up. Harry Lauder's son has joined the camp. In the afternoon we
had revolver shooting at which I was nothing patent. Went down to <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>
tonight again and in time to catch the steamer. We all got aboard and
comfortably seated. Just as it was about to leave we sent Suddy to see when it
would return. On finding it would come back tomorrow morning we bunked for the
quay. Adjourned to the Café Normandie where we found Johnnie Paterson with the
news that we are for the road tomorrow. So we had what we thought was to be our
last civilised dinner - nothing now but bully beef and biscuits - and celebrated
the occasion by having a good feed.

Packed
up our stuff, and drew web equipment, etc. from the QM Stores. Left camp at <st1:time
Minute="0" Hour="17">5 p.m.</st1:time> The train left at <st1:time Hour="19"
Minute="45">7:45 p.m.</st1:time> On board are several drafts of men and a good
number of officers. Had a fine view of <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>
when crossing the railway bridge, with the sunset in the background.

Didn't
sleep very well last night, probably because of certain amount of une Slept
from <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="22">10</st1:time> to <st1:time Minute="0"
Hour="8">8 a.m.</st1:time> although the train was jolting and bumping at a
fearful rate. We got into Bethune in the afternoon and later detrained at La
Gorgue.

Major Morrison met us three
and conducted us to the transport train where we were entertained to tea by
Major Sinclair and James Willie - under the greenwood tree. I was surprised to see
the civil population evidently going about their work as usual and children
sprawling in the gutter although they are within range of the German lines. Of
course all the men are in uniform. The countryside is very flat, rather like
some of Bedfordshire, but the crops are getting pretty high and make the
country even more difficult. We went on later to the 'Reserve Trenches' in Rue
Baceanot.

Breakfast
at 8. The men are up at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="30">5:30</st1:time> but no
parades are held. Rifle inspection at <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="9">9:30</st1:time>.
I have No 4 Platoon with D. Morrison and Skinnie in it. There is nothing doing
- sleep and eat all day and this being Maj M'Millan's birthday we did the
latter very well. Went over to 'C' Coy in the forenoon and found Addie,
Deuchart and the rest wonderfully hearty. We had a tea party in honour of the
Major's birthday, although I think he supplied most of the eatables.

Before tea I went up to the
firing line and had the first experience of being near shrapnel. Up there it is
very quiet and everybody is very comfortable. The trench is of the nature of a
redoubt, built of sandbags, over which it is almost certain death to stick your
head in daylight. The enemy snipers are very good. I found Adam very happy, in
one of the dug-outs.

Some
of our batteries were going it strong last night although there was little
reply to them. They kept us awake a bit. Went up to the fire trench with Major
M'Millan and 6th Sea officer and had a good look over the part we are to
occupy. It consists mainly of an old Brit communication trench running at right
angles to remainder of our line, joining us up with the A&SHs who are
further advanced. From this communication trench, several redoubts have been
built at right angles. These we have to hold. Seemingly the Germans gave it to
them pretty hot last night with shrapnel and high explosive. They got one of
the latter into a fort and smashed a dug-out, the two men inside having
miraculous escapes. I found Adam, again as happy as ever, exploring the inside
of his kilt for 'Scots Greys' which are very abundant here. After dinner I
slept and in the evening got my things ready for going into the trenches. This
we did after dusk and I got my platoon in without difficulty, but of course
this part is very easy indeed to relieve. We took over and No. 4 Platoon was
told off to the reserve trenches.

No.
4 had to furnish visiting patrols and listening patrol as well. I was rather
afraid of the latter but found it quite a simple affair as we didn't go out
far. The night was splendid and beyond desultory rifle fire there was nothing
doing. No casualties in the battalion. Turned in at <st1:time Hour="3"
Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> and slept till six. After breakfast wrote a few
letters and Adam came along to my dug-out. Am very comfortable. Wrote home in
the afternoon and slept a bit.

Quite
a quiet day and little doing. Explored the ground just in front of the Sally
Port for a sniping post along with Major M'Millan. It is a great thing to be
serving under him. No 4 Platoon moved up to take over the two redoubts this
evening. It promises to be more exciting work. Stayed in Z until after
stand-to. Nothing much doing. There are 16 Argyle bomb-throwers in Z as well as
two sections of my own.

A
fine morning. Had to wait on after stand-to (<st1:time Hour="3" Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time>)
in case the Briggie comes along. Shaved, breakfasted and to bed. The redoubts
were shelled while I slept and one high explosive landed just behind the
parados beside the bomb supply. Fortunately they didn't explode. The can get a
perfect enfilade on the redoubts so we are going to strengthen the traverses. I
went up in the forenoon and underwent the next part of the bombardment which
was not so trying as I expected. However the shells weren't coming within 50
yards but the splints sang and hummed overhead. I got one wee bit on the leg
but only a scratch. It is shrapnel that plays the mischief as regards
splinters.

At night again the fun
started but Y got it worst. I don't know how they hadn't some casualties.
Fortunately a lot of the shells didn't explode - duds. Later the Bosches
started rapid fire, having spotted a work party of Argyles so we had a hot
time, the bullets going cracking overhead. I wasn't excited, but it took some
nerve to put my head above the parapet. The Argyles who were with us were a
great asset. Donnie Morrison is a very useful and willing man. I'm glad to have
him.

Stayed
in Z Redoubt until after <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="0">seven a.m.</st1:time>
when I came down to HQ and got shaved. It was a pretty quiet day as far as the
redoubts were concerned although they have been searching again for the sap
head. In the afternoon there was fairly heavy bombardment of the rest of the
line but no damage was done. Finlayson took over the redoubts at <st1:time
Hour="20" Minute="30">8:30 p.m.</st1:time> and I movedmy platoon down to the
parapet opposite HQ. Am now fine and near the dug-out and more in the centre of
things. Turned in at <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="23">11:30 p.m.</st1:time> so
as to be able to relieve Finlayson at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="3">3 a.m.</st1:time>
I hear there was pretty heavy firing after I went to bed but never a thing did
I hear.

Finlayson
called me at <st1:time Hour="3" Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> but as things were
quiet I didn't get up till after 4. Went round the redoubts, shaved and had
breakfast. Pte W Reid of my platoon was shot through the side while working
behind the parapet. He died shortly afterwards. We thought at first it might
have been an accident by a couple of Argyle snipers behind, but as another two
bullets have come into same spot, I am pretty sure it is a German sniper. We
hunted round behind for him unsuccessfully, but they are devilishly cunning.

Slept in the afternoon, censored
some letters and went along the line to see Addie. I never feel as sad as when
I see poor old Addie's face. I believe 'C' would put up a desperate fight but
their spirit is clean gone at present.

Went out on reconnoitring
patrol about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="11">11 a.m.</st1:time> with Sgt J
Fraser and a man. Were out for at least an hour and a half but didn't see or
hear anything. I was quite nervous and 'chattery' before going out but soon
settled down once I was there. We got out a good bit. Went to bed at <st1:time
Minute="20" Hour="1">1:20 a.m.</st1:time> The Germans have been sending over
some big shells today and trench mortars. They are getting onto our new
communication trench.

Wakened
by Finlayson at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="3">3 a.m.</st1:time> All quiet. Some
trench mortars came over about breakfast time but did no damage. Lay in a
ruined cottage for a couple of hours with my corporal to see if that sniper
would come out, but no luck. Shells began to come over so we had to shift. Went
out with Finnie and C. Serg. Major Miller and got some shell fuses belonging
behind the lines.

Were relieved at <st1:time
Minute="30" Hour="9">9:30</st1:time> by incoming Bde. Nasty jamb getting men in
as they had far more than us. If the Germans had sent over some well aimed
trench mortars they would have done tremendous execution but they were
unaccountably quiet and probably being relieved themselves. Got down to the far
end of Laventie without mishap although one bullet made the skin of my back
creep. The men got tea and were led to their billets. Then we got to ours and
had a grand supper with fried eggs, etc. in the Café Aux Voyageurs. Turned in at
<st1:time Minute="0" Hour="13">1 p.m.</st1:time>

Breakfast
about <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> - ham and eggs, sausages,
tea, etc quite a good affair, with Steven D in attendance. Company parade at <st1:time
Minute="0" Hour="11">11 a.m.</st1:time> for inspection by C.O. - rifles,
bayonets, shaving, etc. The Colonel was unconsciously particular, as if men
carried burnishers in their kit. Slept in the afternoon and wandered down town
in the evening with little Willie. Rather colder today. A few shells falling
not far away, watched apathetically by the remaining inhabitants from their
door-steps.

Nearly
slept in. Had to attend bomb school at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time>
for a few days course, but found the instructor had also overslept. Rather old
again: a quiet Sunday morning. Walked into Estaires with Howie in the afternoon
and had a bath and a good dinner for 3 francs. It was great to get clean again.
Got home at <st1:time Minute="15" Hour="9">9:15</st1:time> and found letters
and parcels, including a very nice letter from May and cakes, etc from home.
Fags from DeCain [?]

Went
bombing this morning and threw some live Bethune bombs. Rather nervy work at
first. Slept and wrote May in the afternoon. Big pile of letter to censor.
Black and Stalker arrived this afternoon Black to A Coy, Stalker to B.

Took
my platoon into Estaires for a bath and had one myself, along with Blackie.
Fine clean feeling afterwards. This is the first hot bath the battalion has had
since coming out, so they must have needed it. Had to up to the trenches on
fatigue - Black too and it was his first time in the firing line. It was a
splashing wet night and everybody got soaked. Had to lead along about 300 yards
of newly dug, narrow trench in pitch darkness. Worked from <st1:time Minute="0"
Hour="23">11</st1:time> to <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="1">1:30 a.m.</st1:time>
although the spades wouldn't lift anything - or wouldn't let it down again.
Wonder we had no casualties - we are always lucky or is it cautious? Got back
about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="3">3 a.m.</st1:time>, the latter part being
dry.

Slept
till dinner time. Went up to relieve the 7th Gordons at night. Trenches seemed
very strange the first night, getting into them in almost inky darkness.
Everyone stood to till dawn, as Major M'Millan believes in doing so the first
night.

Up
at dawn - fine bright morning. Black and I slept spent most of the afternoon
potting at a German with the periscope rifle but didn't get him. I saw his head
and shoulders - my first German. Two or three times it struck me this was Sunday,
but it was hard to remember. It's just like any other day, only the Germans
usually send over a few more shells than usual.

In the evening, during
Church time at home, I lay and 'imagined' the organ and service. We seem very
near home.

Another
grand day and just the usual routine of the trenches. Went out at night with
L/Cpl Sinclair reconnoitering and was out for 2 hours, looking for disused
trenches along our front. Got back about 12 and found the Major getting
anxious.

Up
at 3 and found Blackie waiting for me to make tea which we did. Grand morning.
After breakfast Finlayson and I took bearings for 3 fixed rifles to sweep roads
behind German lines. Loopholes are to be built tonight. Both sides were very
quiet today, the Germans can be seen carrying long poles through their
trenches.

Went along to see 'C' Coy
tonight. Addie in good form and more cheerful than usual. I hear from the
sergeants that George was simply splendid and willing to do anything. A lovely
sunset tonight - great long fiery clouds stretching over the West and overhead
and giving everything a fine glow. Overhead several aeroplanes - they usually
come at dawn or in the evening. Turned in about <st1:time Minute="30" Hour="10">10:30</st1:time>.

We
leave the trenches tonight so most of the day is spent in cleaning up, etc. It
is always a wearisome day when we are going out as there is no outgoing mail
and therefore no incentive to write. We were relieved by the Indian Division -
a regiment of Sikhs relieved the 5th. They were very quiet about is and weird
looking. I'ld rather fight with them than against. It started raining just
about <st1:time Hour="22" Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time> and rained steadily
till we got to Merville about <st1:time Hour="3" Minute="30">3:30 a.m.</st1:time>
Had to stand an hour and a half on the other side Laventie for D Coy which did
not turn up even then. Were pretty well soaked. We are out this time without a
single casualty in 'A' Coy.

Rose
and breakfasted about 12 <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="12">midday</st1:time>. Felt
rather washed out, as if I had been at a dance last night. Allan had a birthday
party which was a great success, especially the smoking concert which followed.
Paterson and Dannie were in great form. A perfect, moonlight night.

Inspection
by OC at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="10">10 a.m.</st1:time> - rifle inspection.
He was in better cut today. Went into Merville after that and again after
dinner. Tried to get a bath but there are only 2 in the town and not
accessible. The population wash in the river. Had champagne in the Hotel de
Ville, to celebrate Barnetson's gazette.

Church
Service at headquarters this forenoon. Rev. M'Farlane still hammering away at
the Kaiser: the sniping pretty rotten. Meeting of officers at Bde HQ in
afternoon addressed by Brigadier, revising lessons learned by 3 months
experience. I hope he has learned his lesson. Had to go into La Gorgue
to find road to station and did so on the Major's nag. Went to bed at <st1:time
Hour="20" Minute="30">8:30 p.m.</st1:time>, at least lay down on it, and
wakened at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30</st1:time> by Steven D.

ON
THE <st1:place>SOMME</st1:place><o:p></o:p>

In mid July the 51st (<st1:place>Highland</st1:place>)
Division moved to the <st1:place>Somme</st1:place> region and
took over a section of the front line from the French. This was a 'quiet'
sector where the division could continue to train. 'Quiet' is relative, but in
1915 the name '<st1:place>Somme</st1:place>' carried none of the
implications that it would gain after the battles of Jul - Nov 1916. <o:p></o:p>

The battalion remained in this area until late 1916, mostly occupying
positions on the River Ancre just north of Albert.<o:p></o:p>

Marched
to La Gorgue station, leaving Merville about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="5">5
a.m.</st1:time> It was raining for the first bit but the sun came out and
dried me. Got aboard - 30 men in each truck and officers in 1st and a few in
3rd class carriages. Rather a bumpy journey but not too fast to make the bumps
uncomfortable. We made a big detour, round by <st1:City><st1:place>Calais</st1:place></st1:City>
and Abbeville to <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>. At <st1:City><st1:place>Calais</st1:place></st1:City>
we drew up alongside a buffet run by English girls. After <st1:City><st1:place>Calais</st1:place></st1:City>
we ran along the coast and then up the valley of the <st1:place>Somme</st1:place>,
the country improving every mile. Arrived Corbie about <st1:time Hour="22"
Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time> and marched 4 miles under a full moon up to the <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>
- Albert road. Out billets were at Pont Noyelles.

Rose
late. Had a bathe in a burn with Black and Finlayson. The water is clean and
wholesome, quite unlike what we have seen up north. Concert by 'A' and 'B' Coys
at the Girls Seminary. Piano on the steps at front door and men standing or
sitting round below the trees. Perfect night.

Reviewed
today by General Munro, Commanding 3rd Army. Concert tonight by officers. Great
success. Finnie sang splendidly. Another perfect night. Conversazione of
officers afterwards in 'B' Coy headquarters, and one of the men doing
'Imitations'.

Handling
of arms and swim in the morning. Marched off at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="17">5
p.m.</st1:time> for new billets up nearer the firing line. Rather warm to
begin with but cooled down as the sun set and after that had a glorious march.
Tea under the trees at the roadside. Then on till <st1:time Minute="30"
Hour="11">11:30</st1:time>. Some of the men were pretty well /----/ up with
soft feet. Got to bed about 12, in an old stable which had been used as <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>French</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Hospital</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Straw beds and rather
lively. Rose very itchy.

Difficult
to get good water here - the stuff we washed in was full of H2S. Hence late
breakfast. Port wine under the trees in the Chateau garden until some of them
were beginning to get merry. Paraded at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time>
and marched down into the little valley: the air very thick and close. Through
the wood d'Aveluy, to the ville d'Authuille. My platoon told off to a detached
post on the railway which I took over from a gesticulating Frenchman with the
aid of an interpreter. Very comfortable little place, especially the quartiers
du Commandant.

Dined with the latter
gentleman and 3 regular officers in a shanty below the bridge. My French very
weak. Went round the post about <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time>
and found everything OK and the men fraternising splendidly with the French
Johnnies.

AUGUST
1915<o:p></o:p>

07 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Nothing
worth noting down in the past week. I have been on this post all the time. We
did some work during the day - clearing the wood in front of Mound Keep and
cleaning up the trenches. At night of course the sentries were on and I had to
make a tour of these with the sergeant.

The weather has not been
too good - fair amount of rain and drizzle, but I have been very comfortable in
the hut below the bridge, with first a <st1:City><st1:place>Somerset</st1:place></st1:City>
and then a Hampshire officer as company. I messed in Authuille along with the
rest of 'A' and 'B', otherwise I spent all my time here.

Have read 'Captain
Maigaret' this week and written a few letters. The time passes very quickly.

08 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

A
fine quiet day, quite Sunday like. Had a glorious bathe, or rather bath in the
burn this morning. Afterwards read Study in Scarlet.

Having been living very
much in the past, dallying with old memories, but keeping out the later tragic
ones. Think it's good occasionally to just take a good look back.

09 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Moist
warm day. Too lazy to do any work or to see that the men did any. Glad we're
not in the <st1:place>Dardanelles</st1:place>. Have started having rifle
inspection every morning and section commanders have one at night. The Bosches
are beginning to send over a good many bullets our way so I have altered the
route to Authuille, making it exactly the same the French had it. Had a very
heavy downpour of rain tonight and a great deal of vivid blue lightening. It
was so wet that I didn't visit all the sentries.

10 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Thick
and misty this morning - no improvement after the thunder. Put the men on to
clear out the trenches which are rather muddy. Felt more energetic in the
afternoon and wrote two letters. A and B have a joint mess but I don't think it
would be well to continue it always. The Bosches are beginning to send over
shrapnel occasionally now, and two landed up in the wood tonight not far from
one of my groups. Probably there is too much movement in the wood.

11 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Another
good day. Had a good view of the firing line from trenches on the valley side
behind us. The Chateau of Thiepval isn't much of a place now. Had some shrapnel
into Authuille tonight and some of us had a rather narrow shave. Argyles had
one killed and 1 wounded at the river. A lot of our men there too. We are
always very lucky.

<st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>
has offered peace to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Russia</st1:place></st1:country-region>
but she has declined. British have taken 1200 yards of trench at Hooge, but it
will be only a very local and probably extremely costly success.

12 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Blank

13 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

The
Argyles were relieved by the Indian Cavalry Division. These have been in the
trenches only about 48 hours since they came out in December. Rather funny to
see them losing their companies in the darkness and as I couldn't make myself
understood to them I had a bit of a job.

14 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

The
officers of the ICD came round today - half a dozen majors and captains with
note-books all asking questions. Discovered Leslie who used to be in Chem T
among them. He didn't seem to relish the reminiscences so I left him alone. I
handed over to an officer of the Iniskillings at <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="0">6
p.m.</st1:time> I was only sorry I couldn't wait to hear about <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
from him. He says 'It's a fine country to go on leave in'.

Battalion formed up in Bois
d'Aveluy and when it got dusk, took the road through Albert and got to
Buire-sur-l'Ancre about <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time> No
billets for us officers but it was a fine night, and we got our valises under a
tree, Blacko and I and were soon asleep.

15 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

A
fresh awakening this morning: got up about 8 and shaved and washed. Breakfast
in a hired room, and later on <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City>
got us two nice bedrooms next door to BHQ. The village we are in has not been
touched by the war, so that we are rid for the time being of the depressing
sights of roofless houses. The inhabitants are all in situ.

16 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

The
newly joined subs paraded under the Sergeant-Major in transport lines and
submitted to public degradation - right turns by numbers. Great indignation,
especially on Freegard's part.

17 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Drill
in the forenoon. After tea had a walk by myself up to the main road and back by
Ribermont. Read Gray's Elegy on the way and much of it that was meaningless
before was quite clear. Lovely evening.

18 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Drill
in the forenoon beside the river and after dinner walked over to Bresle to a
gas demonstration. In the evening had a stroll up above the village through the
cornfields.

19 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Football
match between men and officers tonight but had to stop in the middle as the
ball burst.

20 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

The
forenoon was spent mostly in spraying respirators and smoke helmets, and also,
on my part, in packing my valise. Left shortly after <st1:time Minute="0"
Hour="15">3 p.m.</st1:time> for the trenches. Had to hoof it with full pack,
and left myself just rather too little time. However the Major and Dunvegan,
coming behind on horseback were late.

Went by Dernancourt to
Moulin du Vivier (Bde H.Q.) and through Albert up to Becourt (Bat. H.Q.) and so
up to the fire-trench. We are taking over from 'A', 7th Gordons. Had supper and
a look round the trenches. Turned in till <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4 a.m.</st1:time>

21 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Up
at <st1:time Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> and had breakfast. Another look
round and then started back to Buire where I arrived at 8.30 and had brekker.
Battn. paraded at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="18">6 p.m.</st1:time> At M. du
Vivier I was sent back to Buire for the 1/4 guard but managed a byke from
Captn. D. Sutherland, and met the guard coming along with transport. Got into
the fire trench about <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="16">4 o'clock</st1:time>,
pretty tired, so turned in.

Had a bathe this morning
and found myself 'lowsy' in the extreme in spite of my mouslin shirt.

22 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Had
a 'snackie' at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4 a.m.</st1:time> Very quiet day,
which I spent mainly in fitting up a dug-out for myself. I have put up a
swinging hammock which won't be so likely to harbour vermin and have partially
latticed the doorway which at present is rather open.

Great draw back to these
trenches is the lack of proper water supply. All drinking water comes up in
water carts at night to B.H.Q. and has to be fetched from there in jars,
bottles, tins, etc, by roundabout way. Same with grub and ammunition.

23 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

This
early breakfast is a good idea and gives a sound basis for beginning the day
on. Up at <st1:time Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> and spent the morning
in making a sketch map of my trenches. The front line is held very lightly and
think the Germans do the same. A good system of communication trenches leads up
to the fire trench and the dug-outs are mainly in the support line. A platoon
of <st1:City><st1:place>Kitcheners</st1:place></st1:City> (7th Beds)
is coming up tonight for instruction. Turned in after stand-to.

24 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Splosh
wakened me this morning at 4. Evidently there was a mix up last night and he
was on by himself with the Beds subaltern. I turned out and had a belated
breakfast at 5. 'K's Chaps' had turned in. Saw them at breakfast time. They are
nice [or mice ?] like fellows and ours get on with them all right. In some
places there has been some friction between K's and Terriers, but not here. They
took over all my part of the line after stand-to at <st1:time Hour="20"
Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time> so I withdrew all my men except 4 sentries.

25 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

It
was 5 before I was up this morning owing to some mistake. Another splendid day,
and very quiet. The Germans have been busy opposite us these last nights and
are sandbagging their trenches. They have the advantage of us in being on the
top of the hill. We can't see their support trenches but they can see ours and
down to B.H.Q. as well. In the early morning with the sun behind them they have
a big advantage in light too, and I wonder they don't do more sniping.

Spent most of the forenoon
in the observation post getting to know their line. Wrote in the afternoon. The
evenings are short after tea now. Stand-to is about <st1:time Hour="19"
Minute="30">7.30 p.m.</st1:time>

The Russians have had a
naval victory in the <st1:place><st1:PlaceType>Gulf</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName>Riga</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>.

26 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

We
have been sandbagging the parapet for the last few days to keep the chalk from
falling into the trenches. We have made no loopholes here. <st1:City><st1:place>Kitchener</st1:place></st1:City>'s
platoon went out last night and were replaced by another of the same battalion.
They were spread over all the line, a section to a platoon. We put one of our
men to two of theirs for instructional purposes, but I think the instruction
mostly took the form of tall tales about 'The Orchard'.

I was on all night and had
much trouble in keeping some of the men alert. The 8 hour shift is rather long
I think as there are so many fatigues by day.

Splosh singing Harry Lauder
in the Mess. He is rather like D.B. except that he can carry a tune.

27 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Got
to bed about <st1:time Hour="5" Minute="0">5 a.m.</st1:time> Rose for breakfast
at 8, and went back till dinner time. Wrote in afternoon, and made a sketch of
German lines showing loopholes. Think it may be of some use to the men.

Another glorious day - not
a drop of rain since we came in to trenches. Had a wash and a shave in a bowl:
also a hunt and got one of each variety so I'm proving. But I'm very itchy.
Turned in about <st1:time Hour="21" Minute="30">9.30 p.m.</st1:time> Finnie and
two Beds' officers are on till <st1:time Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time>

Splosh got rather a setback
tonight when playing the veteran up among the <st1:place>Queens</st1:place>.
The Major gave him rather a hard time when he came back.

28 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Another
fine day, but rather close. Saw two Huns through the periscope and had a pot at
them. In the evening started putting up a loophole, which took from 7 till <st1:time
Hour="23" Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time> to finish and it was pouring rain most
of the time. No. 4 has very good Lance Corpls, only they do too much work
themselves. Seaman and Skinner helped me with the loophole.

Soaked through by the time
were done and the trenches were very bad with water lying in them. Wakened
Splosh at <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="40">12:40 a.m.</st1:time> and turned in
after setting my things to dry all round the dugout

29 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Had
quite a comfortable sleep considering. Got up at breakfast time. The loophole
is a wee bit low but may do.

My pocketbook was brought
in at <st1:time Hour="6" Minute="0">6 a.m.</st1:time> badly mauled, having been
extricated from the debris we threw down last night. Got the things separated
out and photos washed, but they won't be quite as good as before. Fortunately
it was dry and hot this morning so I got most of my things dried. The trenches
wanted a lot of cleaning up, and require some more thorough method of draining.

30 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Up
at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4 a.m.</st1:time>, clear and cold as usually
in the mornings now. The loophole is a bit improved, but all the wire isn't yet
cleared away. Artillery tried to get onto a machine gun emplacement, but were
far out. Evidently the map is not accurate, or else their shooting is very
poor, and the seldom will send up an observation officer.

Black and I on duty at
night. It was very cold and we stayed in the mess most of the time, alternately
sleeping and writing. Took occasional turns along the line, and tried to locate
the underground sounds. We think they must be from some dug-out, or from the
trench itself. It hardly seems possible they would drive a mine 350 yards when
the lines are much closer elsewhere. Still there must be some explanation of
these very high mounds they have thrown up. They can't be from any ordinary
trench work.

Wee Willie slept in my bed
till <st1:time Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> when we all had breakfast,
and fed also Fishy, Stalk and Nic. Thank goodness they kept off Golspie for
once.

31 Aug 15<o:p></o:p>

Rose
for dinner. Very little doing today. Had a few shots through the loophole, but
the earth has been too damp lately for observation to be easy. Sandbags are at
an end, so there isn't much work to be done.

The Major was testing the
artillery on a point today, and found it took ten minutes for them to open
fire, which is rather too long.

'Stand-to' is shortly after
<st1:time Hour="19" Minute="0">7 p.m.</st1:time> now. It was very quiet last
night.

SEPTEMBER
1915<o:p></o:p>

01 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Wakened
at <st1:time Minute="0" Hour="4">4 a.m.</st1:time> by Finnie. Cold, clear
morning. I hadn't been in the fire trench a minute when a boy Graham was shot
through the head. Death was instantaneous. It was hard luck, on our last
morning too. We hardly realise how near death is, and yet it doesn't awe us
somehow. You feel that the body isn't everything, and yet there's nothing
religious about the thought. We buried him at <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="30">10:30</st1:time>,
in a grave dug by his companions. One of the burying party was hit with
shrapnel, on the leg, while returning.

In the afternoon the 7th
Gordons officers came up to take over, so we had a large party at tea. It began
to rain in the afternoon and the trenches were soon in a great muck. It is
always wearisome waiting for the reliefs, and tonight they didn't arrive till <st1:time
Hour="23" Minute="30">11:30 p.m.</st1:time> They were too smart to need guides
so lost their way.

We got down to the foot of
hill 106 after plootering through the mud. Some platoons came down the road,
but I didn't care to take that responsibility. The moon was high by this time,
and we had a good march in although the tail straggled a little at first and I
had to leave three men behind. Arrived at Buire as <st1:time Hour="3" Minute="0">3
a.m.</st1:time> and found <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City>
waiting for us. We subs of 'A' are billeted in the mayor's house and have bed
between two.

'REST'<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

‘Rest’ for infantry units out of the line was not really an
accurate description of what happened. It was more a matter of continual
fatigues in the trenches and rear areas.<o:p></o:p>

02 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Wakened at <st1:time
Hour="11" Minute="15">11:15</st1:time> by Ross, who reported breakfast ready.
Rose with that 'after the ball' feeling which we always have the night after
coming out. It was drizzling in the forenoon but I went for a wash and a bathe.
Met Adam who seemed to acquiesce in his engagement.

Had a letter from Daisy re
rose bowl which appears to have given satisfaction. Dinner and tea at <st1:time
Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time> Had a walk up to the high road in the
twilight.

03 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Parade at <st1:time Hour="9"
Minute="30">9:30</st1:time>. Blackie, Finnie and I. We had inspection and
physical exercises. Rather cold and raw - too cold for a bathe. Football match
at <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time> between right and left
halves of company. Very enjoyable, but not good football: one fellow got his
ankle broken. Very wet tonight. Fatigue party of 150 men up at Bouzincourt all
day, Splosh with them. This is Daisy's wedding day. Long life and happiness to
her and her husband.

04 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

No parade this forenoon as
another fatigue party of 150 left at <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="0">7 a.m.</st1:time>
with Finnie etc. Wrote Bob in the garden. It was a fine forenoon, but wind is
getting cold.

Left with party of 200 men
at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="30">5:30 p.m.</st1:time> for Albert. We worked
on communication trench which leads up to La Boisselle. Line was pretty quiet,
except for some heavy explosions - heavy shells and trench mortars. Just a few
stray bullets near us. Fortunately it was a grand night, although not too warm.
We got back at <st1:time Hour="2" Minute="30">2:30 a.m.</st1:time> after a fine
march.

05 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Brekker at <st1:time
Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> I though to have a fine quiet Sunday and
get some letters written, but about 11 o'clock word came that the battn was to
shift quarters to Henencourt. This necessitated the fatigue party of 300 men
going in full marching order. We packed up after dinner and left at <st1:time
Hour="16" Minute="0">4 p.m.</st1:time>

Arrived at our new billets
after a very warm but short march. The new place isn't nearly so comfortable as
Buire, but the air is brisker. Finnie and I have a nice room upstairs, with a
motherly old wife to take an interest in us. Had tea at <st1:time Hour="20"
Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time>, "and so to bed". Some pears I carried
in my haversack today have mucked up my diary, which is rather a humbug.

06 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Up at <st1:time Hour="5"
Minute="30">5:30 a.m.</st1:time> for breakfast and fatigues. Left with 300 men
and 6 officers for second line trenches between Albert and Bouzincourt. Very
fine morning, the air and the pipes and everything reminded me of <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>,
in fact the difficulty is to realize we are behind the firing line. The country
is splendid and the harvest ready for carting home. The women, children and old
men do the work, mostly early morning, and evening. Worked till after 12 and
got back <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="30">2:30 p.m.</st1:time> The men very
tired, and not fit to work well. There are far too many fatigues here, and
always a long march before and after.

Had a rest in the afternoon
and after tea wrote and went for a stroll. Singing in B Coys tonight, also a
case of O.P. Didn't go down.

07 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Lovely day again. I was to
have gone on fatigue this forenoon but it was cancelled so we had a bit of a
rest, but not altogether undisturbed as there was a 'non-surprise' alarm at <st1:time
Hour="16" Minute="30">4:30 p.m.</st1:time> The battalion turned out pretty
smart, even considering they were expecting it; I don't see what good it did -
so much 'eye-wash' no doubt.

After tea, went for a
stroll up into the corn fields and wrote to May: A glorious sunset. The nights
are splendid just now.

08 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast at <st1:time
Hour="6" Minute="30">6:30 a.m.</st1:time> and left before eight for work on the
second line defences near Bouzincourt. Capt M'Leod in charge of party. We took
rather a round about way going, and in trying to take a short cut coming back
we ran up against the wire near Millencourt and had to make a big detour to get
round. It was a fair scorcher of a day, and we were glad of any shade to be got
from trees on the wayside, but that was not much. We got in at <st1:time
Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time>

Spent the afternoon in my
sleeping bag reading and sleeping. After tea went down to Buire on the Major's
horse.

09 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Splendid day again.
Breakfast at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time>, as the fatigue
part wasn't in till about 3 a.m. Another left at <st1:time Hour="12" Minute="0">noon</st1:time>,
so dinner was at 11. Many who were on last night were on again today. The men
are getting footsore.

Lay in most of the day, as
I am rather stiff and have a bit of a cold coming on. Worked after tea at
Fortnum and Mason's accounts with <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City>,
trying to get them squared off but there are several difficulties. We tackled
it again with the help of the Major after they came back but with no greater
success. It can only be a very approximate allocation.

10 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast at <st1:time
Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> Another splendid day with more air. No
fatigue today, but had an inspection parade, under platoon arrangements. Some
of the equipment very badly put on. Rifles are usually well kept with the
exception of one or two - including Skinnie.

Right half company played
left half this afternoon, resulting in a win for latter by 1-0. Finnie and I
played for left half, and Blacko, in a flimsy costume and identity disc played
for right. There was too much temper in it, especially on old Stewart's part.
The refereeing was strict to excess. Very good game all the same, and although
I fell absolutely pegged out I believe it has done my cold good.

Laurie [?] has gone away
with some skin trouble, and don't expect he will come back. Watson away to
hospital again, this time with his eyes.

BACK
INTO THE LINE<o:p></o:p>

11 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Rifle inspection as usual.
Billets had to be cleaned up in the afternoon: have always to keep nagging at
this job. Teas at <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="30">3:30</st1:time>. Marched off
at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time> No. 4 platoon leading.

The day had been very hot
but it was a grand evening for marching, although road very dusty. They were
taking in the harvest along the roadside, and away in the distance beyond
Albert, the white lines of the trenches could be seen. Got to the rendezvous,
on the other side of the town, at dusk and were met by the guides who led us
up. The communication trench up to the Chateau has been much improved and
drainage arrangements are much better. Still I thought we would never get up to
the top: and beyond the Chateau we had about as far to go again. We were posted
by about <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 o'clock</st1:time>. Turned in till <st1:time
Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time>

12 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Wakened at <st1:time
Hour="4" Minute="0">4 a.m.</st1:time> and went on duty with Blackie. Splendid
morning, the trench especially what is held by No. 4, is in a bad state of
repair. We vary from about 200 yards to 100 yards from Germans. Pretty quiet
all day - a few trench mortars on the left.

One of the Neats in No. 2
was shot through the head while looking over the parapet through his telescope.
He was always too daring. His brother was very much cut up.

We are working one officer
in firing line here, as we have a small frontage. I was on at night from 10 to
1 so had a decent sleep.

13 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast was a bit late as
'C' Coy is not strong enough for all the fatigues. Poor old 'C' they don't get
much consideration - some think too much including Howie.

Got a fatigue party on to
sandbagging the trench. There's a tremendous lot of work to be done before the
trench will be suitable for winter. Carried on in the afternoon, but had to
chuck it when trench mortars started coming over. They were dropping all along
our line in No. 4. Fortunately it is possible to see them coming. They came
from the left, but weren't of the large type. They were just like Bethune
bombs, and turned over and over making a whistling noise which rapidly mounted
in strength till it was like an express train coming up. Sometimes the bombs
lay for a few seconds but usually they burst immediately they reached the ground.
They sent over a lot of rifle grenades.

14 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

On duty from 1 to 4 and got
in about 10 hours sleep, in spite of Blackie's snoring. No work done on the
trench this morning. About <st1:time Hour="11" Minute="0">11 o'clock</st1:time>
the Germans blew up one of our mines and a number of men of the R.E. were
gassed. One officer and three men or so were done for. Some Argyles who
assisted at the top of the shaft were the worse of the gas too.

We took over the left
sector of the line at <st1:time Hour="16" Minute="0">4 o'clock</st1:time>, changing
over with 'D' Coy. A lot of trench mortars came over just at that time but did
no damage. No. 1 platoon lost a Melvich boy at tea-time - shot through the
parapet and Argyle working party had two killed and 5 wounded at night by a
trench mortar.

And after all we are just
holding on and doing no good. Our sentries in the front line are sitting in
little holes in the parapet, neither observing nor firing and the Germans are
firing our own mines. Everybody talks in whispers and walks on tiptoe.

15 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Was on duty from <st1:time
Hour="0" Minute="0">midnight</st1:time> until six. Sat in the dugout and read
all the time. Quiet night and no casualties in the Coy. Was round the front
line with Blackie. The right is worse than the left. The men are mostly pretty
cheery about it, but some are very shaky. We heard today that the big push is
to start tomorrow - combined movement by the British and French. That explains
the heavy cannonading we have been hearing for the day or two, to our right and
left, mainly left. We are evidently not to be in the first push.

A bombing party were sent
out tonight to try to jigger up one of the German mines. They threw some bombs
and got back safely but whether they accomplished anything or not we don't
know. We had some hefty trench mortars and rifle grenades back by way of
reaction, some of the <st1:place>Bolton</st1:place> boys got badly shaken but
nothing worse happened.

16 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Sat in the dug out reading
and writing till <st1:time Hour="5" Minute="0">5a.m.</st1:time> but the
atmosphere was stifling and the flies a torment, so I had to get out
occasionally. A misty night. Some of the men were a bit nervy, and one of my
posts had 'retired' before a series of mortar bombs and rifle grenades. We
could see the trench mortars coming quite well with a tail of sparks behind. No
casualties.

In the afternoon our
artillery bombarded the enemy's trenches and tried to demolish the craters
between the lines. They fired about 12 huge explosives (2 duds). The company
was withdrawn to the reserve line - fortunately as some of the shells were
short and made a dickens of a mess of our own trench. The result was that we
had to put on fatigue parties to build up and clear our own trenches after our
own guns.

17 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

So hot in the dug-out that
I sat outside the door all night, among the rats. Finally lay down and slept
for an hour. Very quiet all night.

Had to get the trenches cleared up today to hand them over clean, and must
say <st1:City><st1:place>Kitchener</st1:place></st1:City>'s men are getting
them in a much cleaner state than we did. As usual had a tiresome afternoon,
but finally the relief arrived before we were quite expecting them. Before I
got mine out the trench mortars started and we had rather a hot time. Still, no
casualties occurred. After jamming in the trench for a long time we got down to
and through Albert, and once over the rise we sat down, glad to be out and on
top of the ground. The men were in good spirits and sang a good deal which is
unusual at such a time.

Arrived Henencourt at <st1:time
Hour="22" Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time> fairly well fagged out, and made a
bee-line for Splosh and Blackie's estaminet where we had a couple of bottles of
champagne: then a cup of tea as we had sent the cooks on ahead. Then to bed.

18 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast at 10. At 11
marched down to Buire for a wash and a bathe. Very hot and dusty. Had a good
bathe. Adjourned to the Pharmacie and helped Splosh with a bottle of Bass. Got
back to Buire at 4 and had dinner - Macconochie, and roasted apples. Nothing
doing tonight. Had stroll in the moonlight.

19 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Another very hot day.
Orderly officer today, which I discovered only ten minutes before time for
guard-mounting. Company inspected by C.O. in the afternoon and pronounced very
good. Don't know what makes them take that badgering tone with the men. Perhaps
it's modesty, but I think if Davidson told them they had done well in the
trenches they would think more of themselves and of him too.

Church parade at <st1:time
Hour="18" Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time>, Herbert Reid preaching on "This
Gospel". I walked back to Millencourt with him. He has opened a dry
canteen there and sells at home prices. He is in his element there. Had great
argument with <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City> and Moy Hall
tonight about God and the War, Marriage, etc. and as a consequence felt very
restless tonight.

20 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast <st1:time Hour="6"
Minute="0">6 a.m.</st1:time> To Bouzincourt at <st1:time Hour="19" Minute="15">7:15</st1:time>
with fatigue party. Perfect day with a nip in the air. Large fatigue party out,
and part of it (Argyles) was spotted and had to quit. Finnie's new job is to
take him from us for a bit and he has given up his platoon. James Willie is
Divisional Transport Officer. Got a few letters written and am now trying to
square up the Mess accounts but it strikes me that somehow I'm running this on
my own money.

21 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Lord Kitchener inspected us
this afternoon before we went into the trenches. He was very red in the face,
and the fellows said worried looking. We marched straight off after the
inspection (<st1:time Hour="15" Minute="30">3:30 p.m.</st1:time>) to Aveluy,
passing through Albert which had just been shelled: the side of a house was
lying across the street. Got into our quarters in the Bois d'Authuille about <st1:time
Hour="19" Minute="0">7 p.m.</st1:time> Had a late supper as we had some trouble
with the mess cart.

22 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast at <st1:time
Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> We have a splendid mess with a pergola
and verandah outside. This is my birthday and a splendid day too. Splosh and I
made a set of chessmen out of cardboard and had a game. We haven't managed a
wash today - in fact it has been a very lazy day.

My birthday cake hasn't
arrived yet and I'm afraid Mother will be much disappointed when she knows.
Still we managed a first class tea with sardines, queen-cakes, currant buns,
etc. and later in the evening champagne. We had a fire in the mess and were
very nice and cozy. Finnie is grubbing with D Coy to be near H.Q.s.

23 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Rather dull and sultry
today. Nothing doing all day, except smoking and eating sweeties. After tea,
had to go over to Head Qrs. and see to the digging of some dummy trenches.
Thunderstorm came on and the men got soaked so they worked hard. The guns have
been going it strong today, making a great din in the trees and I hear that La
Boisselle has been heavily bombarded by us.

Freegard had a narrow
escape last night. Went out with an Argyle officer to take in a flag which the
Germans had planted before our line. There was a bomb attached to the stick,
and it exploded and killed the other officer. Machine guns were turned on them
then.

24 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Still raining this morning:
the woods were soaking and the road and paths all turned to mud. After
breakfast we lit a wood fire in the Mess, and played Bridge till dinner.

Was up at the 6th Seaforth
lines with party in the afternoon but didn't wait. The Brigadier is afraid the
Germans have gone back as things are very quiet so he wanted Nicolson to take a
patrol out in daylight. There is still some rifle fire coming over and a few
pip-squeaks. They will likely leave a few machine guns in their front trench up
to the very last. Our guns have been giving it to them very hot all day, and
the wood has been echoing with the reports.

Gid and Harper in to tea
which was rather a spread with sardines and tomato sauce, apple tarts and seed
cake.

25 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Raining hard all night, and
most of the day. Had a fatigue party up to 6th Seaforths, building parapet.
'Davit' in to dinner and tea. He is always so cheery.

Sat in all afternoon and
evening with a big wood fire. Our guns have been going strong most of the day
and the Germans lying dogo mostly. Good news today. We have broken through on
the North. The Germans here are a bit jumpy, and the 6th gave then a bit rapid
and a cheer at 'Stand to', which brought a brisk reply.

Finished up the evening
with a great argument in the mess, ending up on evolution which the Major
strongly opposes.

26 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Rather a better day. Got
the dugouts cleaned up. Were relieved at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time>
and just after my platoon got clear, some pip-squeaks came over and Black's lot
had rather a narrow shave. Nobody hit. The road in the wood was very bad, but
once we got onto the high road it was grand. Company formed up on the other
side of Albert. From there we had the pipes, and the moon came up. There's no
time like the march to billets.

27 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Got up at about <st1:time
Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30 a.m.</st1:time> The men were payed in the forenoon,
getting only 5 Fr. each, with which they were rather dissatisfied. There was a
good deal of drink going at night and rows in several estaminets. Tube helmet
parade before dinner.

28 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Cold and raw. Inspection by
new Divisional General (Harper) as <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="30">2:30 p.m.</st1:time>,
Allason having gone home in bad health. Very cold standing on parade. Short
route march followed, round by Bresle and Baizieux. Got in to tea about six,
and had a good spread.

29 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Rather a nasty day. Battn
did an attack on Millencourt. 'A' Coy formed the firing line. Funny that
although the men have all been under fire they wouldn't get down on their
stomachs any better than at <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>,
and movement was pretty slow: it made the thing seem very unreal. Wrote letter
all afternoon and at <st1:time Hour="20" Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time> was
detailed to report to Martinsart at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time>
tomorrow morning.

30 Sep 15<o:p></o:p>

Left Henencourt after an
early breakfast for Martinsart, along with Nicolson, to take over at Authuille.
Howie and Barnetson came over on horseback. Arrived at Authuille via Martinsart
and Bois d'Aveluy about <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 a.m.</st1:time> There
was a bit of a mix up when the Battalion arrived owing to 'misunderstanding'.
Half of 'A' messing with 'D' Coy in the old estaminet. The Major, Murray and I
sleeping in the cellar behind the bar, which has been turned into a comfortable
bedroom with two beds. Black and Splosh have gone over to the post on the
railway, where there are now two platoons. The other two are in the dug-out
down below the river bank.

As we came along by
Bouzincourt this morning we saw a German aeroplane brought down by a Britisher.
Both occupants were killed. There was an immediate rush for souvenirs, and one
fellow made off with the machine's 'tail' and though chased by two sentries
managed to 'make good'.

October
1915<o:p></o:p>

01 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Had a very good sleep in
the cellar. The weather seems to have settled down again to another fine spell.
Went round to the railway post with the Major after brekker. The Mound Keep is
much improved, and a lot of new dugouts have been made.

George Murray and Howie put
a stove into the mess in the afternoon and we are now fortified against the
cold. The nights are very cold now. Things are very quiet on the line here.
Practically no shelling and only very few trench mortars up at the Chateau.

02 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Splendid morning and had a
bracing wash in the weir - hands and face only. Went over to MacMahon's post in
the forenoon. Black and Splosh at breakfast. Steven D in waiting. Splosh
ordered by the MO to go to bed as he has been badly for several days.

After dinner we saw a lot
of black smoke rising from their direction and it proved to be from the fire
Splosh had got lit in the shelters below the bridge. The place was burnt out,
the telephone shelter being saved with difficulty. When the Major and I went
over Splosh and Black were looking very down in the mouth but the Major's
cheery face soon put them to rights. He wasn't in the least put out about it.
Blacko lost his greatcoat, magnapole, etc in the conflagration.

03 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Another lovely day. On
fatigue at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time> with party working
on drain for water pipe which is to take 2 gallons per man per day to the
firing line. It will be a tremendous saving in labour. A German aeroplane came
over several times and we had to stop work several times. Shrapnel doesn't seem
to be much good against them and I have never seen or heard of a plane being
brought down by it. Dinner was sent up.

Sat in all night playing
bridge, etc. I hear today that the <st1:City><st1:place>Kitchener</st1:place></st1:City>'s
lot have withdrawn from the Ilo and Dinhollow trenches at La Boisselle.

04 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Splosh went to hospital
this morning so I had to take his place at the bridge and the new officers
dug-out is a wretched affair. We have decided to have our grub at the Mess.
James Willie and Hamish M'Intosh who had gone to hospital were sent across to <st1:country-region><st1:place>England</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
probably owing to the hospitals being cleared out for influx of casualties from
the North. We are now 4 officers short. The draft of men (87) arrived late
tonight.

The work at MacMahon's post
is going ahead but the Brigadier was round today condemning the roofs of the
dug-outs as not being shell-proof. Fortunately they are the work of the
Gordons. Heavy bombardment going on to the North.

05 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Had a very good sleep in
spite of Blacko's snoring. Wrote in the afternoon in the mess. Wet outside. The
Court Martial on Dunvegan came off tonight and up to the time I left was 'gey
dreich' but I understand it livened up considerably towards the end when George
Murray was well canned.

06 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Today misty a bit. Made a
sketch of Berridale Brae. In the evening played bridge and went with Howie and
Black to hunt rats. Not very successful. Stalker came back tonight from St.
Omer where he was for machinegun course. Says British are rather downhearted in
the North at not having done so well as they hoped. But we must and shall win
in the end, however far away that may be, and however few of us live to see it.

07 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Better weather today. Captain
Sutherland comes in every day for dinner which is followed by a game of quoits
in the back garden. We are always glad to see his cheery face. More rat hunting
tonight and bridge. French are reported to be going on yet in <st1:State><st1:place>Champagne</st1:place></st1:State>.
Dreamt last night of killing rats.

08 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Nothing doing today. Bridge
as usual after tea. Stalker came back tonight an Howie, Dunvegan and
myself had a rat-hunt on our way home as <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time>
It has to stop now though as too many lights are being seen in the village.

09 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Thick and misty today. No
news of the fighting today. At the Mound Keep for the forenoon. The dugouts are
all ready for roofing now if only the corrugated iron would come. The Argyles
had their parapet blown in last night, with a number of casualties. The Germans
are using very heavy mortars. Fatigue parties of out men were sent up to
repair, and evidently to the General's satisfaction as he asked to see Sgt Reid
and L/Cpl Keith both of 'C' Coy, today.

10 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

This turned out to be a
fine quiet day. We were relieved tonight by the 8th Black Watch, so most of the
day was spent in tidying up. The Major wouldn't play quoits this afternoon,
being Sunday. Sat in the dug outs with George M'Kay and Hugh Fraser and others,
with a roaring fire and had solos from various singers.

Got a splendid starry night
for marching to billets - the men were in good form and sang most of the way.
The Germans dropped four shrapnel in Aveluy before we reached it, and put some
into Authuille as we left it. There was a lot of transport on the road and a
good deal of noise, so I think they had spotted the relief. Got into
Stenencourt about <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="25">11:25 p.m.</st1:time> Tea was
issued to the men, along with a tot of rum.

11 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast wasn't until
about <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time> this morning. A pleasant
day, but a bit heavy. Loafed about forenoon and afternoon. Bridge at night.
Argument as to why there is an increased % of male children during or after a
big war. The matter was to be referred to the Doc. but he didn't turn up.

12 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Early breakfast and left
for Bouzincourt at <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="15">7:15 a.m.</st1:time> Got back
4 p.m. Fine day. Dugouts are now being made 13 feet deep with 5 feet headroom
so that roof is 8' thick. Machine gun emplacements of concrete. Much better
line than the front line. Engineer officer there has only been out here for 3
weeks and is fed up. I think the platoon commander is best off as regards
variety and interest of work. Splosh is to be Bombing Officer. Had a fine tea
of hard boiled eggs and potted head. Parcel for mother and from Bob. Johnnie
Morrison came back today from Bray where he has been getting instruction in
Adjutant's work. George Murray had a few straight words with Thomson, Staff
Capt.

13 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Route march round by Bresle
and Brazieux [?] today. Rather close marching and I was glad I had made up my
pack with my air-pillow instead of with heavier stuff. Jock the Post nearly put
his fist through it. The autumn tints are on the trees now, and the apples
still hanging are russet and brown.

Game of quoits before tea,
which came on at five with boiled eggs and curried prawns. Splosh got a huge
parcel tonight which turned out to be 100 parti-coloured sandbags. They are to
be used for screening the officers' latrine, there being no lack of sandbags
here now. Finnie has definitely forsaken us for the H.Q. mess. Heavy
bombardment away to the North.

14 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Another fatigue this
morning to Bouzincourt, the Major, Howie, Blacko, Freegard and myself. Howie
and Blackie spent the day in Albert and reappeared in time to march back with
us. Fine day to be out. Had dinner when we came back, Martin having risen to
the occasion with a boiled meat duff. Tea immediately after, and a shave and
then the Concert at the Chateau. The hits of the evening were topical songs for
which Splosh was mainly responsible. The Brigadier and the Countess were there.

15 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Field day - attacking
position other side of Bresle which Finnie and the stretcher bearers had taken
up. 'A' Coy was to deliver a flank attack but it was rather late. Very misty
and difficult to see what was going on. Slept all afternoon. Second night of
the concert wasn't quite so good as first as there was some repetition of last
night's songs.

At <st1:time Hour="23"
Minute="0">11 p.m.</st1:time> the alarm went, without the least warning. No. 4
Platoon was about the last to turn out. The Adjie was in a screaming and
obscene rage and I only dodged him in the lane by good luck. We were dismissed
about <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="30">12:30 a.m.</st1:time> I hear our battalion
took the longest to turn out but that was partly owing to the orderlies not
being able to be found.

One of the Kidds, Brora in
at tea tonight. He is with the miners at La Boisselle.

16 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Slept in a bit this
morning, Capt Morrison, Freegard and self on Court of Inquiry, on man who shot
his hand in May. The poor beggar came out with the last draft and is being
tried now. Afternoon I spent in lonesome walk round behind the Chateau woods
and tried a sketch. Finnie and J.B. Morrison in at tea.

17 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Orderly officer and late
for guard mounting. Church Parade at <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 a.m.</st1:time>
Got a very good sermon from a strange padre on 'Wherefore this waste?' Misty
and cold and service lasted only 1/2 an hour, for which we were glad although
we enjoyed what there was of it. O.C.'s parade for A and B at <st1:time
Hour="12" Minute="0">12 noon</st1:time>. More rapid than usual. Rest of the day
free.

Sat round the fire all evening having theological arguments,
George Murray being especially keen on the 2nd Coming and producing a diagram
to illustrate his views. We have got an open fireplace put in, and with a big
wood fire blazing on it we can be very comfortable.

18 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Fatigue to Bouzincourt
today, reporting time as usual at <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30 a.m.</st1:time>
All the officers went into Albert and had dinner - omelettes, rabbit, etc. The
Café Aux Voyageurs is run by two or three women, who have to take refuge in the
cellars during the almost daily shelling.

19 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Left at <st1:time Hour="6"
Minute="30">6:30 a.m.</st1:time> for fatigue at Authuille. Cold morning,
especially in the valley of the Ancre where it was pretty thick. Bulgar and
Nicholson and myself, with 180 men. Found when we got to our destination that
we weren't expected and there was no work for us to do. We didn't know whether
to be wild or glad, so were the latter and got back to Henencourt just at
dinner-time. Capt Sutherland brought some salt fish to the Mess, which we had
for supper with Dunvegan, Danny, Gerry, etc.

20 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Supposed to report at
Authuille trenches as <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="30">10:30 a.m.</st1:time>
Splosh, Johnnie Paterson and I left about 9 and sauntered into Albert where we
had lunch along with Freegard and Nicholson who had preceded us. We went on
gradually arriving at 7th Gordons about <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time>
They had had a pretty bad time, 'A' Coy losing 2 officers with a kerosene-can
and both died. The Germans seem to be putting Potas. ferrocyanide into these
cans which produces blood poisoning. The Battn came in about <st1:time Hour="20"
Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time>, and relief was carried out through very
expeditiously and without mishap.

21 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Mice kept me awake most of
the night, running over my head, etc. 'A' Coy being in reserve, in <st1:Street><st1:address>Paisley
Avenue</st1:address></st1:Street>, there isn't much for us to do. The Company
is split up into platoons, No. 4 being on the left in support of D Coy. Coy.
Mess in <st1:Street><st1:address>Paisley St</st1:address></st1:Street> where
all the cooking for the battalion is done. Very quiet in the front line. Looks
as if their trench mortars had been knocked out. Retired to my dugout at <st1:time
Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time> and had a blazing coal-fire.

22 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Very bright today. Dunvegan
came limping down this morning with bad attack of lumbago, and was taken to
hospital on a stretcher - pity the bearers. I had to go up to 'B' Coy as Allen
and Freegard are the only officers there. Just before I got up, they got a
number of trench mortars mixed up with shrapnel - probably to make them keep
their head down. One mortar got into the trench and did some damage but nobody
hurt.

23 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Duty from <st1:time Hour="3"
Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> to <st1:time Hour="6" Minute="0">6 a.m.</st1:time>
Fine night and very quiet. Germans working hard. General Harper round today,
and made himself very disagreeable. Four light trench mortars and rifle
grenades today.

24 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

There was a ring round the
moon last night, so I wasn't surprised to find it threatening a break-down this
morning. It did break down by the afternoon and the trenches were soon muddy.
Had 4 heavy trench mortars over this morning, 2 duds. Nobody hurt and some wire
blown down.

Capt. Sutherland in to tea,
and Johnnie Morrison, who left for furlough tonight. Had a sacred concert in
the Mess, under the baton of George Murra', he being an authority on the psalm
tunes as well as many other biblical matters. Nasty wet night. Martin left
tonight too. Leave has been doubled, so I expect to go home on about a month's
time.

25 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Duty <st1:time Hour="3"
Minute="0">3 a.m. to 6 a.m.</st1:time> It had been raining all night, and
Bulgar was swearing at the drops of water which were impinging on his physog.
There was a pool on top of me but fortunately I had an oilskin over my blanket.
Had to put some chevaux de frise in position and it was rather an awkward job.
Breakfast wasn't till about 9.

Rather a rotten day, my
feet being wet nearly all the time. Two rifle grenades at <st1:time Hour="18"
Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> Germans going at their work strong. Suspect they
are driving a mine towards the salient as we have heard tapping tonight.

26 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Cold, bright and windy
morning. A number of trench mortars, mostly small, came over in the morning. In
the afternoon some 'oil-cans' fell on the right of the 6th Seaforths. Built an
observation post at the top of Sauchiehall St. The Germans put over a couple of
T.M.s, as I think they heard us.

Some more came over about <st1:time
Hour="21" Minute="0">9 p.m.</st1:time> in answer to our own TM gun, and some of
them were fairly heavy. Freegard was hit in the back with a piece that pierced
through to his shirt. He was bruised a bit, and the Doc sent him to the
hospital. The Colonel has been in good form most of the day. H.Q. are much more
affable than used to be the case.

27 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Blank

28 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Wakened this morning with a
lot of rain on my bed, and a fair cold in my head. Blacko gave me a tot of rum
on which I slept to <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="45">8:45</st1:time>. It was very
wet all day and my boots were sodden. Allan kindly let me sleep down at the
Mess except to relieve him for meals so by night I was feeling a bit better.
Blake and Johnnie P were in to tea and we had the usual feeding of the 5000:
our problem isn't so much the feeding though as the seating of them.

About <st1:time Hour="20"
Minute="0">8 p.m.</st1:time> we heard that one of 'C' Coys dugouts had fallen
in, and that Addie was buried under it. Thinking it must be about all up with
him I went up to the place, and the Major volunteered to accompany me. We found
Addie in a dugout with Deuchart, having been got out with some bad bruises to
his leg and a pretty bad shaking. The Doctor reported no bones broken. We got
back to the Mess after <st1:time Hour="22" Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time> and
turned in.

29 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

The 8th Argyles, on our
right, got it very hot this morning with oilcans, mortars and whizz-bangs. Dry
overhead today, but trenches in a bad mess. Saw Addie at the dressing station
en route for hospital.

Splosh took out a bombing
party at <st1:time Hour="21" Minute="0">9 p.m.</st1:time> to bomb a German sap
out from Hammer Head.

Heard later that the
Argyles didn't lose a single man although the Germans put over more than 150
mortar bombs - 50 of them oil cans, and a lot of whizz-bangs as well. The
Argyles gave them "Are we downhearted? No!" after the
fusillade had stopped.

30 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Splosh came in at <st1:time
Hour="0" Minute="45">12:45 a.m.</st1:time> having found nothing in the sap.
Spent most of the day trying to get a German sniper. Saw about six Germans
today, some of them in the wood in front of their line.

We were relieved by the
1/7th Gordons. 'B' Coy took the longest to be relieved and it was <st1:time
Hour="11" Minute="15">11:15</st1:time> before we got to Henencourt. The roads
were very muddy especially at Authuille. We were all very glad to get out, and
thanked out lucky stars that we hadn't had a scratch except for Freegard's.

31 Oct 15<o:p></o:p>

Slept
till <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 a.m.</st1:time> The people at the
Mess-room have taken away their stove, so Stephen has to cook in the yard. They
are very disagreeable. Nasty raw day and no parades of any sort.

Finnie and I rode down to
Warloy, he to get a motor for the Colonel who is going to hospital today with
Lumbago, and I to see Addie. Not finding him there I went back to Millencourt
where they told me he had been sent 16 miles down. There are rumours that our
division may be sent to Servia. One Corps is said to have gone already, and one
division of our Corps to be under orders. Hope I get my leave first.

November
1915<o:p></o:p>

01 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Fatigue
to Bouzincourt with Capt. Rutherford, Black, Blake and Finnie. The last has
been put on fatigues this time. Another rotten day. We all went into Albert at
lunch time and had a good feed. The men were fairly wet and no coke to dry
themselves with when they get home, but I suppose they manage always to pinch
some. 'Dooking apples' and Splosh's Steak and Kidney pudding tonight.

02 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

OC's
(Major Sinclair) parade at 11 a.m. Drizzling rain and very cold and he
inspected every rifle in the company and didn't find one dirty. Lecture in the
Chateau at <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time> by Col Stewart of
the Division on the attack. Nothing brilliant. Went to bed early. Am reading
Buchan's History of the War.

03 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Fatigue
at Bouzincourt. The Major, Black and Blake. Bright cold day, it seems to have rained
itself out last night. It's getting to cold now to loaf about with pleasure,
and the temptation to drop into Albert is getting stronger. Splosh has been in
bed the last two days with rheumatism and melancholia.

SNIPING
COURSE<o:p></o:p>

A large number of schools - bombing, sniping, musketry, gas, etc - were
established in <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>
as the war progressed. These made up for the sometimes skimpy training of units
in <st1:country-region><st1:place>UK</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
disseminated new tactics and, unofficially, provided a break from the trenches
for officers and men.<o:p></o:p>

Sniping was intimately connected with observation. In the battalion
snipers and 'scouts' were usually gathered into one specialised platoon,
although in the trenches there was little 'scouting' in the sense of mobile
reconnaissance.<o:p></o:p>

The primary role of the snipers was (and is) as counter-snipers, i.e. to
suppress the enemy's snipers and only then to engage targets of opportunity.
The static and routine nature of life in the trenches meant that frequently
visited points (e.g. latrines) could be identified and sniped. Good sniping
established a moral as much as a military ascendancy over the other side.<o:p></o:p>

Sniping was something the <st1:place>Highland</st1:place>
Division prided itself on - with many gamekeepers (and poachers) in the ranks
this is not surprising. 'Splosh' celebrates the deeds of 'Sniper <st1:City><st1:place>Sandy</st1:place></st1:City>'
(Sgt Alexander M'Donald - KIA Nov 16) with a parody of the popular song 'Sister
Susie's Sewing Shirts for Soldiers' [text to follow]:<o:p></o:p>

04 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Route
march by Millencourt, Aliceville, Bresle and Baizieux. Just after getting back
I was told to report at Bouzincourt and go by bus to Querrieux for course in
telescopic sights.

We had a fine run down in
one of these <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City> buses. There
were 4 officers - Coats, West and King's Own man and about 12 men. Arrived
Querrieux about <st1:time Hour="17" Minute="30">5:30 p.m.</st1:time> and shown
our billets. We mess together in little house and are attended to by a French
woman whose husband was killed about the beginning of the war. So far as I
could make out he was hit in the fighting near the village and died in his own
house. She told us of other 'atrocities' too - her father-in-law, a man of 74
was mortally wounded while minding his cattle

05 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

We
started the course at 9 this morning, beginning with a lecture by the sergeant
and then onto the range. At night had a lecture of 2 hours from Col Lloyd RAMC
on optics, etc. as applied in telescopes, etc. He is DDMS but has evidently
shot a lot at Bisley and probably big game too. He is keen on the subject
anyway, although it is outside his ordinary work.

We are very well off as
regards billets. I have a fine bed with clean white sheets and quilt. The Mess
is first class and we get on very well with Madame and all her relatives
including M'mselle Louise. This is the first time I have really had a good
chance of speaking French. According to the custom, M'mlle Louise's father came
to fetch her home. The French people here won't sing - not until 'après la
guerre'. Soldiers can sing, but civilians 'non'.

06 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Fine
bright morning and we were shooting all day till about <st1:time Hour="15"
Minute="30">3:30</st1:time>. Then a lecture on sniping, loopholes, etc from
Colonel Lloyd himself.

At <st1:time Hour="17"
Minute="30">5:30</st1:time> the bus left with the men and should have taken us
too but we got a pass for <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>,
and Col. Lloyd lent us his car. We got in there about <st1:time Hour="18"
Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> Met <st1:City><st1:place>Davie</st1:place></st1:City>
of <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City> on the street and could
hardly get rid of him. Strange to be among shops and lights again but the
novelty wore off very soon. French Major in the smoking room while we were
having chocolate. Very cold run back to Querrieux in the mist. <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>
is in the French area; all traffic is carefully watched. Hear the civilians
have to clear out of Albert on account of spy-fever.

BACK
TO THE BATTALION<o:p></o:p>

07 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Breakfast
about <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="30">9:30</st1:time>. Then we began to wonder
how we would get back to our billets. We started down the road and hadn't gone
200 yds when a lorry came along bound for Henencourt and we were all aboard
very quickly. Got there about <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="30">10:30</st1:time>
and it was just as well we came so early as we found the battalion was going to
the trenches at <st1:time Hour="12" Minute="30">12:30</st1:time>. Major
M'Millan is O/C battalion - the Colonel is acting Brigadier and Sinclair in
hospital. Captn. <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City> returned
this morning.

Very slow marching to
Aveluy, 8th Argyles being in front and continually halting. German aeroplane
over Aveluy, chased by our guns but got away. We thought she must have spotted
the relief but no shells came over. Relieved the Loyal <st1:place>N Lancs</st1:place>.
Very little dugout accommodation and had great difficulty in getting the men
in. General mix up with the machine guns etc.

08 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

On
duty till <st1:time Hour="2" Minute="0">2 a.m.</st1:time> when Blacko took
over. Very quiet. Pretty good day. There is a lot of enfilade fire, day and
night from both machine guns and rifles. The Germans have a very strong
position and are steadily pushing forwards their line by means of saps.

Geo. Murray has been very
energetic all day and has had poor Splosh in a ferment all day about his bomb
stores; and then Splosh lay on his back in the bed instead of on his side - the
bed being just on the small side for three.

Took out a patrol tonight -
Morrison, Peat and Bain. Saw what seemed to be a German patrol but they were
too far away and disappeared.

09 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Rather
a raw day and the men were glad to have their goat-skins. The Brigadier came
back so the Major is back to the Company. The Colonel and Adjutant were round
this morning playing havoc, and passing on the row they got themselves from the
Divisional General. The trenches are in a bad state and the fire-step has all
to be revetted.

Had smokies for tea and
Capt. Sutherland and Dunvegan were in. It has started to rain.

10 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

On
duty <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="0">12</st1:time> to <st1:time Hour="3"
Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> Trenches in a great mess as no provision of any
sort had been made by the 154th Bde for drainage. Had to use knee boots to get
along and was up to the knee in places. The men are very wet, especially about
the feet and their dugouts are about as bad as the trench.

The whole place is in a
rotten state: the people who let it into disrepair should have been made to
spend the winter in it. It is possible now that it will be our part of the line
for the winter but we have been told that sort of thing so often that we are
sceptical. The men were working most of the day on the trench - draining it,
putting in sink pits and cleaning it up but nothing can be done to the dugouts
as they require a radical gutting out and can be touched only at night.

They put over a few
high-explosives today, evidently meant for our sap-heads but no damage was
done. Heavier guns than usual - about 4.7.

Freegard's birthday party. <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City>
made me go over as he is anxious to heal the breach. Blacko out on patrol
tonight but met nothing. Turned in at <st1:time Hour="21" Minute="0">9 p.m.</st1:time>

11 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Had
a wash and a shave this morning, the first since Saturday. Went up to D Coy
with Splosh who was going to see about his bomb-stores. Pitman has been
gazetted Captain and has rejoined his company. Howie has come back from leave.
Had a very good view of German lines from D, C and B's lines. Our trenches can
be very badly enfiladed and crossfire will get worse as the wood gets thinner.

My turn for patrol tonight
so Splosh took my turn of duty. However it got so wet that we couldn't go out -
the men have no way of drying themselves. The trenches and dugouts are very bad
again. The water came through our own, above our heads. Capt Murray slept on
the floor.

12 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Today
it had cleared up a bit. A lot of the trench had come down during the night and
the men had to set to and get it cleared. All the sandbagging requires to be
done over again. General imprecations against the 154th.

Sgt Gray, L/Cpl Ross and a man
went out on patrol with me. We went out from The Nab at <st1:time Hour="2"
Minute="0">2 a.m.</st1:time> and Gray and I got to within about 60 yards of
their line. It came on rain and we were absolutely soaked all except our feet
and legs as we had on our gum boots. Put the men into the Sgt Major's dugout
where they had a fire on.

The Major was relieved to
see us back as Capt Murray broke the mirror this morning.

13 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Lay
in bed most of the forenoon waiting for my clothes to dry. Black and Stephen D
left this afternoon for a course of instruction at Felincourt, near <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>.
They will be away five weeks or so.

Splosh was in very good
form tonight, and talked thirteen to the dozen, beginning with really authentic
ghost stories which he apparently believes. I turned in at <st1:time Hour="21"
Minute="0">9 p.m.</st1:time> A number of pip-squeaks came over our dugout and
one hit the bank opposite while the Major was reconnoitering at the door.
Splosh made some ox-tail soup which I partook of. He broke the Major's bed
endeavouring to help him off with his gum boots and about <st1:time Hour="0"
Minute="0">midnight</st1:time> we were awakened by him extinguishing a
conflagration which was threatening to develop into a second MacMahon's post.

14 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

On
duty from <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="0">12</st1:time> to <st1:time Hour="3"
Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time> No machine gun or rifle fire so probably there was
a relief on. Put <st1:City><st1:place>Murray</st1:place></st1:City> up at <st1:time
Hour="3" Minute="0">3 a.m.</st1:time>

After breakfast got our
things packed ready to move down to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Normandy</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. An aeroplane came over at
dinnertime and got a good pestering. The relief began about <st1:time Hour="15"
Minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time> and was carried through expeditiously and without
casualties, except one wounded, of the 6th Seaforths. Enemy sent over a number
of heavy shells and trench mortars and got some of the Royal Scots and wounded
Sgt. Wm. Munro ('Boags') 'B' Coy. 'A' Coy went back to the mess room at <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Normandy</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>City</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> in spite of opposition from
'C' Coy.

The men's dugouts are not
sufficient to accommodate them and are in a very bad condition. They are in no
state for winter occupation.

Davidie and Stalker came to
tea, the latter is to stay here as he has no dugout, so there are five of us
sleeping in the mess. Splosh and I occupied the hammocks, Major and Murray the
beds and Stalker the floor.

15 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

The
morning found Splosh and me both sleeping on the floor. Splosh began by
upsetting the major part of the morning tea. The Major was up first and put the
fire on.

During the forenoon, there
was a fatigue party up to the fire trench with Splosh in command and the rest
of the men were on dugouts and roads in support lines.

Davidie was in to dinner.
The Major went to bed at tea-time, feeling chilled a bit. Toast and tinned
herring for tea. When we opened the door this morning we found the ground
white. Big flakes of snow were falling. It had been raining during the night
and the ground was hard beneath but got sloppy as the day wore on.

16 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Nearly
3 inches of snow on the ground this morning: no frost. Took fatigue party up to
the 6th Seaforths at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time> The
trenches are pretty guttery, especially for men who haven't gumboots. The Royal
Scots officer said the 5th were the best looking battalion by a long way. Went
round by 'A' Coys lines. The dugouts down at the cookers are being pushed on;
if we could only get material they would be ready tonight.

Major M'Millan is rather
better today but has been in bed since afternoon. Davidie was in for a short
time but couldn't wait for tea as the valley gets very hot at night with
machine gun and rifle fire. 'D' Coy had a man shot through the eye while
cleaning his rifle. Three days letters arrived after tea and were very welcome.
Stalker, Splosh and Murray argued on the subject of freemasonry. Heavy machine
gun fire tonight by the Bosche.

17 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Snow
still lying but no fresh fall. Took fatigue party up to 6th Seaforth to work
under Royal Scots. Went round by 'A' Coy to enquire for Splosh's goatskin which
has 'disappeared'.

Gid and Dannie Harper came
up to tea. We always manage to make toast here. This is the third night the
Major has had tea in bed; he is getting the upper hand of the threatened attack
of flu. Violent discussion on the war. George Murra' thinks as a Christian, he
shouldn't be here. He had us all against him. Moonlight.

18 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Got
up at <st1:time Hour="18" Minute="30">6:30</st1:time> this morning along with
Capt. Murray to issue rum ['the efficiency of lawn-tennis' inserted at this
point ??]. After breakfast had a shave and went round with Colonel Grant-Smith
and Major Gair to see some work that had to be done. It was freezing hard all
forenoon, and a very heavy mist, in the valley especially. Kestin arrived here
last night, and Freegard brought him over here this morning. He looks very neat
and fat.

Took fatigue party up to <st1:Street><st1:address>Belmont
St</st1:address></st1:Street> at <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time>
and cleaned it. The men worked very hard, partly because the job had to be
finished, and partly because they were promised a tot of rum. Got back by <st1:time
Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time>

No letters this afternoon.
Splosh left this afternoon for <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>
to get his spectacles replaced and in a great funk that he might be sent to
'Blighty'. Marks came in tonight with 25 men, but haven't seen him. He is
attached to 'C' and Kestin to 'B'.

19 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Took
fatigue party up to fire trench at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time>
as usual. Davidie was in for dinner - bully beef and devilled kidneys. Gid and
Johnnie Morrison were over in the forenoon.

20 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Blank

LEAVE<o:p></o:p>

21 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Took
a fatigue party up to 'B' Company 6th Sea lines, but didn't stay very long.

Started to get my things
ready and get my clothes cleaned. Officer of the 8th Black Watch came up to
take over, and had dinner with us. Went over to headquarters about <st1:time
Hour="15" Minute="0">3 p.m.</st1:time> Saw Howie on my way to Aveluy, he being
in a dugout by the road. Everybody is under the impression I am going home to
get married.

Walked up to Bouzincourt
and after some trouble hit on the QM stores where I found Splosh returning from
<st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>. Had a good tea with potted
head and Milikin made me quite comfy in his bed. Couldn't sleep for itchiness.
Got up about <st1:time Hour="2" Minute="0">2 a.m.</st1:time> The cook brought
me tea and toast, and then we went down to the Church where we found two motor
buses. After wakening up the drivers who slept inside, and when they had thawed
their engines (it was freezing) we got inside and our journey home began.

22 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Arrived
at Merincourt about <st1:time Hour="5" Minute="0">5 a.m.</st1:time> and just
got aboard the train. First stop <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>
where I got a couple of rolls and ham, and a tumbler of coffee. Got in beside
Alexander, M.G.O. 6th Sea., an Artilleryman, and a Hussar, so included the arms
well represented. A wearisome journey down to Havre, including a 2 1/2 hours
halt outside <st1:City><st1:place>Rouen</st1:place></st1:City>. I saw then the
same countryside as when I came up first with Barnetson five months ago but
with rather different feelings.

Arrived Havre about <st1:time
Hour="19" Minute="30">7.30 p.m.</st1:time> The train ran alongside the boat and
after bagging an unfurnished cabin for four, we had a scramble for some supper
for which we were all in very good form. The four of us played auction bridge
in our cabin for an hour or two and then turned into our bunks.

23 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Wakened
by the noise of the men, who were packed all along the corridors and on the
stairs, getting ready to disembark. At last we got alongside and the officers
were allowed ashore first to the audible disgust of some outspoken Tommies.

Got into <st1:City><st1:place>Waterloo</st1:place></st1:City>
about <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="0">8 a.m.</st1:time> and took a hansome to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Strand</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Palace</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, along with the Artilleryman
who had taken a fancy to my walking stick. I tipped the cabby in French
coppers, and rescued my stick. Breakfast by my lonesome - porridge, fish,
marmalade, etc. Taxi to Euston and got train for <st1:City><st1:place>Bedford</st1:place></st1:City>
arriving <st1:time Hour="11" Minute="0">11 a.m.</st1:time>

Went along <st1:Street><st1:address>Midland
Road</st1:address></st1:Street>, up <st1:Street><st1:address>Alexandria St</st1:address></st1:Street>
and so to Mortimer's shop where I found himself at the door. Had a shave and
wet shampoo. Met Mrs. Mortimer in <st1:Street><st1:address>Bromham Rd.</st1:address></st1:Street>
She was snotty at first as she thought I had been in the place for some days.
Round the <st1:Street><st1:address>High St</st1:address></st1:Street> and up
Tavistock to Clarendon where I found Nana, Dido and Morris. Mrs. Platts,
Gwyneth and Paddy came in later. Had dinner with them, then bunked round the
town myself to see the old familiar sights. At <st1:time Hour="15" Minute="30">3:30</st1:time>
had tea with Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer. Visited the Campions about <st1:time
Hour="18" Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> then back to Platts till <st1:time
Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30</st1:time> when they left for the Pictures and I for
supper at No. 26. Caught the <st1:time Hour="22" Minute="0">10 p.m.</st1:time>
for <st1:City><st1:place>Kettering</st1:place></st1:City> where I got a sleeper
for Edin. and on stripping found myself absolutely 'alive'.

<o:p></o:p>

24 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

The
attendant wakened me at <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="0">7 a.m.</st1:time> Got
into Edin <st1:time Hour="19" Minute="30">7:30</st1:time>. Went to R.B. for
breakfast and then took car for Marchmont. Found Bessie in, by good luck. Had a
bath in <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Warrender</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Park</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>,
and then put on new semmit which I had bought for the occasion. Bessie and I
met <st1:place>Fife</st1:place> train and Bob and Aunt Georgie both turned up.
Walked along <st1:Street><st1:address>Princes St</st1:address></st1:Street> and
met Rhoda twice, in her usual vivacity.

Had dinner at P.J.s and
then I left to pay a visit at <st1:Street><st1:address>Jordan Lane</st1:address></st1:Street>,
where I fortuitously found Miss Reid at home. Stopped only 20 minutes and then
off to Parkside to meet Bob and Annie again. Uncle and the rest of them
choosing china for Gordon's wedding present. Made for the Lyceum and heard most
of the Pirates of Penzance. Caught the <st1:time Hour="21" Minute="20">9:20
p.m.</st1:time> for the north and had Bob's company as far as Cowdenbeath. Had
a walk through <st1:City><st1:place>Perth</st1:place></st1:City> up as far as
the river. Fine moonlight night. Had the carriage to myself as far as <st1:place>Inverness</st1:place>.

25 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Had
a breakfast basket at <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Bonar</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Bridge</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.
It was a lovely morning; I never saw Loch Shin looking prettier. Shaved before
I got Brora where David came in, this being Thanksgiving Day. Got into Thurso
at <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time> The family was on the
platform. Dinner, and changed into civilian clothes. Game of pills with David.
Tea was ready when I got back and after that we had the gramophone. At <st1:time
Hour="8" Minute="0">8 o'clock</st1:time> a lot of the girls came in for coffee
and a yarn. Tottie, Barra, Hannah, Isabel and Clara. Met Maggie and Katie and
Willie Torrance in <st1:Street><st1:address>Traill St</st1:address></st1:Street>.
Also James and Geordie Forbes.

26 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

David
left this morning. May and I saw him off and then went for a walk by the Vic.
Visited Mrs.Torrance for a few minutes with Barra, also the Gerrys. Called in
on Mrs. Black. Met Daisy Shearer, looking very well. I paid a flying visit too
to Mrs. and Capt. Don Manson, along with Capt. Milligan who was up recruiting.
After dinner, Mother, May and I walked to Scrabster where we visited first the
Wookeys and then the Sinclairs. Back in time for tea.

27 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

This
morning I visited Mrs. Morrison - Donnie Morrison's mother. Had a lesson on the
organ from Berta who plays quite well. The pedals are the difficulty. Dinner
and then visited Juniper Bank, to cheer up Skinnie's people. After tea we had
Maggie, Katie, Janette, Berta, Hannah, Louise, James and Langdon. Quite a merry
crowd once we got started going. Visited the 'Rectory' and gave Con all the
news of Adam.

28 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Walked
round the Vic and down Scrabster road with Father. Back in time for church at
12. Ma, May and I went to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Parish</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType>Church</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>.
Langdon at the organ. M'Lennan wasn't at his best. Waited in to see if the
Wookeys were coming but eventually visited Mrs. and Miss Black and had
afternoon tea with them. Then tea at home and went down to Tottie's where I had
more. Went to church en famille - Congregational this time. Then back to
Tottie's - after first visiting the Doctor and getting a medical certificate
for bronchial catarrh. Miller of the Patrol boat was in and sang. Escorted
Isabel home just after <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="0">midnight</st1:time>.

29 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Visited
Adam's Auntie this forenoon. She is a cheery body: saw the Gerrys too. This
being the half-holiday, I went a walk as far as Ormlie with Pa and May. Visited
the Manse before tea. Mrs. M'Lennan seemed to think I had neglected them. After
tea I went to Mrs. Torrance's: saw Connie Walker, and visited the rectory where
I found Miss Haig and had a long yarn with her. I find she knows Levy, Harris,
Vickers, etc. Tait was looking rather worried, perhaps because his mother is
ill. M'Kenzie the minister was in to tea. Wandered round by Olrig <st1:place>St.</st1:place>
and thought of calling at Maggie M'Kays but it was rather late. Trekked home
where I found May by herself. The rest came in about <st1:time Hour="9"
Minute="30">9:30</st1:time> with Charlie from Greig's gramophone entertainment.

30 Nov 15<o:p></o:p>

Cold
and wet. The family came to the station with me: called in at Tottie's on the
way up. Langdon going south to join the 5th Scot. Rifles. A number of people at
the station to see him off. Had his company as far as <st1:City><st1:place>Perth</st1:place></st1:City>.
Met Clarke at <st1:place>Inverness</st1:place> by appointment. Tea basket at Kinguissie.
Had a longish wait at <st1:City><st1:place>Perth</st1:place></st1:City> was we
missed Edin. connection. Saw Bessie at Waverly for a minute but had to rush for
the <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City> train. I got a sleeper
and turned in at once so that I should get my full 10/- worth.

December
1915<o:p></o:p>

01 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Got into <st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City>
about <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="30">7:30 a.m.</st1:time> and took a taxi to
Strand Palace Hotel where I had brekker. Made a few purchases - e.g. oilskin
13/6, but forgot most of the things I wanted. It was rashing [?] rain anyway.
Visited Jermyn St and saw Dr. Kitchen and Allen. Met Mrs. Platts and Dido at
Piccadilly Tube. Had dinner with them at <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Strand</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Palace</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Met Robert Alexander at the
Tube, having 'phoned him earlier in the day, and introduced him to Mrs. Platts
and D, who seemed much impressed. Had coffee with him at the <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Strd.</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Palace</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and after a long yarn made
for Waterloo Stn. Here I got into difficulties with the RTO but at least got a
seat in SE&C Ry. Rob. had to leave me at the barrier and was much incensed.

Arrived Folkstone about 6
p.m. Nearly 600 men on the train and it took a long time before they were
satisfactorily housed - there being no boat tonight. Got up to Queen's Hotel
and got a bed. Had dinner, picture house and then to bed.

BACK
TO <st1:country-region><st1:place>FRANCE</st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p>

02 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Up at <st1:time Hour="5"
Minute="0">5 a.m.</st1:time> for an early breakfast of rather a scrappy kind.
We were told there wouldn't be a boat for us until afternoon but managed to get
one leaving at <st1:time Hour="9" Minute="0">9 a.m.</st1:time> Bolougne at <st1:time
Hour="11" Minute="0">11 a.m.</st1:time> Pretty good crossing and few sick. A
good deal of traffic in the Channel considering everything: a lot of patrol
boats about and we had a torpedo boat for escort. After a lot of delay at the
MLOs got along to stn. Had a dinner with Cattenach who had been at Golspie and
had come out from the 8th Camerons. <st1:place>Lot</st1:place> of new officers
going to Etaples. Pleasant priest at Abbeville. Got into <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>
about <st1:time Hour="19" Minute="30">7:30 p.m.</st1:time> - no trains for
Mericourt tonight so got a room in Hotel Belfort. Went out and had supper at a
café, bought set of chess and posted a p.c. home. Turned in early.

03 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Up about <st1:time Hour="5"
Minute="0">5 a.m.</st1:time> and had a regular French breakfast of coffee and
rolls, not much for half a day's tramp. No conveyance to be had at Mericourt so
walked up to Albert - Amiens road and after waiting half an hour got an RE
waggon as far as Albert. From there walked up through Aveluy, round by C______
Corner and so up to Authuille. Found everybody in the best of health in spite
of a number of casualties from shrapnel on Berridale Brae - including Howie,
Blake and Marks and 26 men - one killed.

04 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Went round by the fatigue
party on Black Horse Brae where they are improving the road under supervision
of the RE. A number of long waterproof riding capes issued to platoons
yesterday. Went round by MacMahon's post to see Capt. Murray and found the
Major there. Back in time for dinner at which Davit turned up. At <st1:time
Hour="14" Minute="0">2 p.m.</st1:time> bombardment by our guns was to begin so
we took refuge in the cellar, in case of retaliation. There were a few shells
came over from the Germans but no damage done. Had a few games of chess with
Splosh. Marks taken away to hospital suffering from nerves.

05 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Fairly early breakfast - <st1:time
Hour="19" Minute="30">7:30</st1:time>. Had a fatigue party up to 1/8 Arglyles
to clean up this front trench. The mud was pretty liquid and we were able, by
means of pumps, to send a good deal of it down the communications trench, there
being a good fall in the ground. The Argyles have already been in 8 days and
are to be in 7 yet - much too long in the present state of the trenches and
dug-outs. Went up again after dinner. After tea had a few games of chess with
Blake. Splosh went on leave today but I didn't see him to wish him luck.

06 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Almost immediately after
breakfast the officers of the 6th Argyles arrived to be shown round so with
that and packing up I was busy all forenoon. After an early dinner Howie and I
went up to Argyles and took over. Trenches not bad but dug-outs are awful and I
don't know how men will be able to live for a week in them. Company arrived,
and also Fred Harper and M'Kenzie. Very dark night and wet. Got orders from
Adjt. to go to Martinsart so made my way down to reserve company ('B') where I
waited for transport and had tea with Pitman and Johnny Paterson. Transport
came about <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="30">8:30</st1:time>. Heckie Murray came
along with me. Got to Martinsart about <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="30">10:30</st1:time>
where I hunted up Bulger and found him and Fishy (returned from leave) sound
asleep in an attic in the Chateau. Turned into my sleeping bag.

WITH
THE DUKES<o:p></o:p>

Young officers from
Territorial units were often attached to regular battalions for short periods.
This was usually to gain experience of military administration rather than
operational matters. <o:p></o:p>

JBC spent the end of
1915 attached to the 2nd Battalion, The Duke of <st1:City><st1:place>Wellington</st1:place></st1:City>’s
Regiment. They had been in <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>
since Aug 14 (‘out since <st1:City><st1:place>Mons</st1:place></st1:City>’
in Army parlance) as part of 13 Bde in 5 Div. The other battalions in the
brigade were the 1st Royal <st1:place>West Kents</st1:place>,
2nd Kings Own <st1:place>Yorkshire</st1:place> Light
Infantry (both regular) and a Territorial unit, the 1/9th<st1:City><st1:place>London</st1:place></st1:City>
Regiment (Queen <st1:State><st1:place>Victoria</st1:place></st1:State>’s
Rifles).<o:p></o:p>

07 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Up at <st1:time Hour="6"
Minute="0">6 a.m.</st1:time> Along to QM stores where Bruce gave Heckie Murray
and me an early brekker. Had a wash. Mess cart arrived <st1:time Hour="8"
Minute="0">8 o'clock</st1:time>. Met West of 1/6th Black Watch outside Albert.
Had some difficulty in finding our way to Bray as there seems to be no direct
road. Arrived Bray <st1:time Hour="10" Minute="30">10:30 a.m.</st1:time>
Directed by Brigade to 2nd Duke of <st1:City><st1:place>Wellington</st1:place></st1:City>'s
Regt.

Reported to QM - Major
Ellam and then taken to Mess where found Browning. Lunch and tea there. MGO -
Whittaker arrived on the scene. Rode up to Bronfay about <st1:time Hour="19"
Minute="0">7 o'clock</st1:time>, the battalion having just been relieved from
the trenches. After waiting a bit, met the acting CO - Capt Cox and the Adjt.
Capt Ince. Had a good dinner.

08 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Had a 'cold-douche',
following the example of the MO of the <st1:City><st1:place>Warwicks</st1:place></st1:City>.
Orderly room and King's Regulations. Went over with Capt. Cox to the other
three companies in the wood. The men are partly in dugouts mostly in bell-tents
which can't be any too warm. They were cleaning up their coats etc. after the
trenches. Capt. Cox went round each tent and saw the men's feet and enquired
after their health, etc. I thought he was very thoughtful.

09 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Sat in the orderly room
while Capt. Cox disposed of a number of defaulters. A good few of them for
insubordination and candid opinions of 'superior officers'. Colonel Bray
returned this afternoon from the Corbie rest camp and resumes command.

After tea got a horse, rode
down to Bray and went to the Whizzbangs along with a number of the others. Rode
back in time for dinner.

Some of the officers of the
14th <st1:City><st1:place>Warwicks</st1:place></st1:City> are attached for a
few days while their men are undergoing instruction with 2nd Dukes. The <st1:City><st1:place>Warwicks</st1:place></st1:City>
are a good class, mostly clerks and students and are feeling the hardships very
much.

10 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Walked down to Bray in the
morning for a FGCM. Proceedings rather dry. Lunch at QM's mess and after a
second sederunt [?] walked back to Bronfay. Ripping evening. Tea with the CO
and 2 of the <st1:City><st1:place>Warwicks</st1:place></st1:City> and went
early to bed with a May Apple Pill [?] instead of dinner.

A company of Warwicks, coming out of the trenches last night were so done up
that they couldn't get further than Bronfay where they were put up for the
night. Some of them in a state of exhaustion, and rifles absolutely useless
with mud.

11 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Cold and wet. Packed up,
and hung about in the billet. Most unpleasant with the cold and feeling
horribly shy about going into the mess. I thought I had got over that sort of
thing.

14th Warwickshire arrived in the afternoon with their transport. After tea
we walked over country to Carnoy in the dark. I am to share the Doctor's dugout
- Capt Tobias. It is a tuppenny tube variety and quite spacious. Dinner and a
talk with the Doc after which I began to find my feet. 'Boutard' provided
oysters and an <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City> duck for
lunch.

A 14th Warwick Sgt. brought
in, wounded in the chest says he has had one drink of tea in the 4 days in
trenches and what rations he could borrow from the W. Kents. Their supplies
have been very badly managed. About 16 of the <st1:City><st1:place>Warwicks</st1:place></st1:City>
were put up for the night in the medical station, being absolutely done up and
unable to go further.

12 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Cold and wet and not
inviting so stayed in all day reading '<st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Hurricane</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType>Island</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>', and writing. Very quiet on
the front.

13 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Frosty this morning and
very misty at first but it cleared up later on and a few German 'planes came
over. Ours weren't to be seen so probably they were away on a bombing
expedition. The Dukes are very partic. about movement when there is a German
plane overhead. As the Adjt. and CO were both up in the fire-trench I was left
to look after the 'phone and took the opportunity to go through all the files I
could find. I think I will get most of my information from the O. Room Sergt.

Afternoon and evening I
spent mostly in reading and writing. The Battn. is going to put in three tube
dug-outs in the front line as should of course have been done long ago, but the
excuse was given that the iron material couldn't be furnished. Funny that the
French have had them for a long time - made in <st1:City><st1:place>Glasgow</st1:place></st1:City>
too!

14 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Rose about 8 and had
breakfast. Went round two companies lines with the CO. I had fortunately
discarded my kilt and done up my shirt-tails with a safety-pin, and it was as
well I did so as the mud took me up to the top of my thighs. The trenches
aren't quite as bad as I had expected. The fire-trench is quite good in bits
but the communications trenches are mostly bad. The mud is on the sticky side
and pumps won't lift it. Saw 6 big aeroplanes (French) passing over and believe
there were other batches of 6 seen too. Shaved before dinner.

In the afternoon read and
wrote a couple of letters. The CO is thinking of changing the dinner hour to <st1:time
Hour="17" Minute="0">5 p.m.</st1:time> and carrying everything up over the
open. The men haven't enough fuel to do their own cooking in the front line and
in any case water would have to be carried up.

15 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Rather soft this morning,
some snow fell during the night but it turned to sleet. Relieved today by the
14th <st1:City><st1:place>Warwicks</st1:place></st1:City>. Their Doctor took
over the MO Station. Dr. Tobias made him sign a list of 'stores' as another of
K's battalions did a lot of damage to it in the way of foraging for firewood.

The Dr. and I walked to
Bronfay and got horses. I had a frisky little thing and stirrups were too long
so I had rather an unpleasant ride in especially as my hands were so numb with
cold I couldn't hold her in. The mess in Bray very comfortable place with arm
chairs and sofas and a bright fire. Dinner about <st1:time Hour="22" Minute="0">10
p.m.</st1:time> and then to bed - mine is in a wee room at the back.

16 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Went down to the Orderly
Room at 9 and sat there most of the forenoon, reading KRs. Spent the evening in
my own room at the Manual of Military Law, most of the others being at the
Whizzbangs.

17 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Orderly room at <st1:time
Hour="10" Minute="0">10 a.m.</st1:time> The Adjutant was at Bronfay, for a C.
Martial. Lecture on Bombing Tactics, by battalion bombing officer. Spent most
of the afternoon in the O Room with Col. Sgt. Laverack. The Doctor and I were
at the Whizzbangs at night.

18 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Had the O.R. mostly to
myself and got a lot of useful information. <st1:country-region><st1:place>Col.</st1:place></st1:country-region>
of the QVRs in to dinner. Capt. Hunter came in later.

19 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Fine day. Had a short walk
across the <st1:place>Somme</st1:place> then to QM Stores to learn system of
rationing, etc. Church of England Service in the Whizzbangs at <st1:time
Hour="11" Minute="0">11 a.m.</st1:time> Doctor and I attended. Tea at <st1:time
Hour="16" Minute="0">4 o'clock</st1:time> and left for Bronfay on Horseback at <st1:time
Hour="18" Minute="0">6 p.m.</st1:time> with the CO, Adjutant and Doctor. Came up
at a good rate. Very bright moonlight. Arrived at Carnoy about 7, to relieve <st1:place>West Kents</st1:place>. Relief was
over by <st1:time Hour="8" Minute="15">8:15</st1:time> and then we had dinner.
The Doctor and I had a game of chess which lasted till after <st1:time Hour="0"
Minute="0">midnight</st1:time>.

20 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Wakened about <st1:time
Hour="7" Minute="30">7:30 a.m.</st1:time> by Capt Ince coming and wakening the
Doctor to attend to a wounded Bosche who had come over to our lines and been
wounded before the sentries understood he wanted to desert.

He was rather small, not a
typical Hun, aged 38. Belonged to the 23rd Regt. Said his regiment was mostly
Poles and he was having a hard time with them. Complained that they didn't get
enough to eat, and said that all over <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>
there was a shortage of food. <st1:country-region><st1:place>Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>
would be 'Kaput' in 3 or 4 months. He was Hanovarian, married to a French wife,
so his sympathies were not pro Prussian. Said he would fight for <st1:country-region><st1:place>France</st1:place></st1:country-region>
or <st1:country-region><st1:place>Britain</st1:place></st1:country-region> when
his wound healed. Complained of vermin in the trenches. Their trenches hadn't
much mud - about ankle deep, and he was fairly clean so this probably correct.

Gave some fairly useful
information especially in the evening when he bucked up wonderfully considering
he had a bullet in or very near his lung. He belonged to the Landsturm, called
up in April, many of his Kamerads were 40 to 46 years old. He was well looked
after at the dressing station and although he had some misgivings as to how he
would be treated, he was very soon at his ease.

One of the Dukes badly hit
tonight.

21 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Raining nearly all day. I
got up a bit earlier this morning as the CO didn't seem to be impressed by the
amount of work I am doing. Went round the front line with him and as I had only
on short gum boots I had some difficulty in keeping them on my feet. Trenches
are not so bad as last time. Good idea to use brooms to sweep water into sump
holes as soon as it falls and before the traffic forms it into mud.

Sat in the Adjt's office
and in the mess most of the rest of the day. Has a coke fire in MO's dugout in
the evening. Game of chess with the Doctor.

22 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Went round some of the
communication trenches with the CO. Not much doing today. Three casualties from
sniping. It was rather a clear morning and the men didn't seem to appreciate
that as some of them got out of the communication trench and were pipped. One
was shot dead trying to bring in a wounded man. Couldn't sit in the dressing
station with three poor fellows moaning: enough to give anybody nerves. Pym
came up to see one of them and the RC Padre to see the other. Both since died.
The Doctor much upset. He goes on leave tonight and ditto the CO. Capt Cox
returned from leave tonight and at <st1:time Hour="23" Minute="30">11:30 p.m.</st1:time>
the Doctor's relief arrived - Dr. Limpriere.

23 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Went round the trenches
this morning with Capt. Cox from left to right. In spite of much improvement
there are still places in which the water is up to the top of my thighs and
coming over the gum boots. There are a number of fatigue parties but it is much
easier for these battalions than for ours as they have only 3 coys of 3
platoons each in the firing line. The rest are available for work. Our guns
were shelling a new German trench and their shells were going just overhead.
2Lt Scott was killed at <st1:time Hour="12" Minute="0">midday</st1:time> by
trifling with a dud German rifle grenade.

The battalion was relieved
tonight by the R.W.Kents. Relief complete about <st1:time Hour="20" Minute="0">8
p.m.</st1:time> Just as we were leaving Carnoy the Bosche shelled the sunken
road to Bronfay so we (Capt Cox, Ince, the Doctor and myself) had to make a
detour to the left and had a hard time getting through our barbed wire
entanglements of the 2nd line. Had dinner about <st1:time Hour="21" Minute="0">9
p.m.</st1:time>

24 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Sat in the orderly room
most of the morning reading F.S. Regulations Part II. The Doctor and Capt Cox
rode into Bray so I was left pretty much on my own. Played Browning at chess.
Holsworth getting songs off the gramophone for tomorrow's concert. The evening
was quite mild with stars occasionally showing and later on the moon came up.

This time last year Mac was
in bed with flu and I was nursing him and writing Xmas cards. I hung up my
socks on a couple of nails as I turned in, for the sake of continuity and old
associations.

25 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Awakened by Capt Cox going
down to church at Bray about <st1:time Hour="7" Minute="0">7 a.m.</st1:time>
Rose and had a hot bath which I enjoyed very much. Spent the forenoon in the O.
Room with O. R. Clerk. Communion in loft at <st1:time Hour="12" Minute="0">12
noon</st1:time>, Pym officiating, officers only. After lunch HQ had a rat hunt
in the cabbage garden, and after the expenditure of much labour secured one rat
- at least Sam did. The rat had to fished out of the officer's latrine.

Boutard arrived. After tea,
concert in the barn which had been rigged up for the occasion with coloured
paper festoons and Chinese lanterns. The men lay about on the floor or stood
round about. A piano had been brought up from Bray, and also Boutard's friend
who played very well and with much resource as most of the artistes changed
their key frequently. Pym read Dicken's Scrooge and illustrated it with lantern
slides. Free fight for oranges.

As far as hostilities are
concerned this has been an exceptionally quiet day. The Bosche shelled some men
moving on the ridge to the left rear of the farm in the afternoon. Divisional
General Kavanagh had ordered there was to be nothing in the way of special
'straffing' today.

26 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Clear morning. Went over
country to Carnoy with Capt Cox to see K.O.S.B.'s sector. Had a splendid view
of the firing lines and away beyond the German lines, including Mametz. Most
perfect view I have seen. No bullets near us. R.W.Kents had a bombing show last
night, or rather <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="30">12:30 a.m.</st1:time>, but were
spotted and didn't do much good. Visited K.O.S.B.'s H.Q. Returned to Bronfay as
there was nothing for me to do at Carnoy.

We spent the afternoon in
decorating the room with coloured paper festoons and Chinese lanterns from the
barn. After tea had a rat hunt with flashlights and Sam. Letter from D.S.
tonight. Dinner at <st1:time Hour="20" Minute="30">8:30 p.m.</st1:time> Boutard
had got most of the stuff from <st1:City><st1:place>Amiens</st1:place></st1:City>
and was able to put up a first class dinner. Menu - oysters, soup, ham, goose
and pheasant, lobster, plum pudding. Wines - 20 bottles champagne, Cherry
Rocher, whisky. Coffee, cigars, cigarettes, fruit, sweets. Toasts were drunk,
including L'Ecosse. Also sword dance on the table. Broke up at <st1:time
Hour="12" Minute="0">12 p.m.</st1:time> British bombarded Fricourt twice today.
We stood outside listening to the 9 inch shells going over - a cheery noise for
us.

27 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Blank

28 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Spent most of the day,
which was quite a good one, in the mess. Played the Doc at chess and was beaten
once again. Inspected the cookers with him.

29 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

After having breakfast I
bid goodbye to the Dukes and made for Bray where I am to spend the next few
days in the orderly room before returning to the 5th. Got a horse at Bronfay
and rode in, meeting the Brigadier on the way who seemed amused. Spent
remainder of forenoon and afternoon in the Orderly Room. After tea I took a
chair up to the Whizzbangs, that being the only way I could get a seat. They
had a panto on and I had a good laugh.

30 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Spent most of the forenoon
in the orderly room with Col. Sergt. Laverack. Went over to Etienne with
Browning in the afternoon - in my kilt. My horse was rather frisky and I had
much difficulty in passing motors, etc. I went on past Et. along the river bank
which is composed of river gravel, very high. Had an extensive view coming back
but it was rather misty.

31 Dec 15<o:p></o:p>

Was in the orderly room in
the forenoon and afternoon. It commenced raining after tea. The battalion came
out of the trenches tonight and therefore we are back to the big mess opposite
the Church. Col. Land ? of the 2/4 D.o.W. is with the battalion on a 4 days
tour. He was at dinner. The Dukes are reported to be going to the 32nd Division
and are very fed up.

Nobody seemed to intend to sit up till 12 so I retired to my bed in the
little room above the Post Office where I am now sitting writing this up. Twelve
o'clock has just struck and a feeble bell is ringing: There has been some
cheering and singing of Auld Land Syne up by the Church and the artillery have
just blazed away their New Years greeting as had been pre-arranged.

Last year we were
masquerading in the <st1:address><st1:Street>High St</st1:Street> <st1:City>Bedford</st1:City></st1:address>.
Where will we be the next?